A website is considered secure if it has a few key indicators:
- It uses HTTPS in the URL (where the "s" stands for secure), which means it has an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate that encrypts data between the browser and the website server. This is often shown by a padlock icon in the address bar.
- The URL looks legitimate with proper spelling and no suspicious characters or domain mimicking well-known brands.
- The website may have a visible privacy policy, contact details, and verified trust seals.
- Modern browsers often show warnings when visiting unsafe or insecure websites.
- Additional checks can be done using website safety checkers that scan the site for malware, blacklists, and other security issues.
To summarize, the most straightforward signs to tell if a website is secure are the presence of "https://" and a padlock icon in the browser's address bar, plus verifying that the URL is correct and not misleading.
