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The sheer number of websites that are available on the internet is simply staggering. Every website wants to grab your attention in order to get you to visit. For example, listing extremely low prices on popular items or through a blog referencing common search terms, you are the object of their affection. The fact of the matter is that not all websites are safe to browse, let alone make a purchase or enter your personal information through. Learning how to identify a secure website is paramount to your internet safety. Making sure that a website is secure is extremely important, especially when online shopping but also as a general rule.

Two Ways To Identify A Secure Website

Check The Website’s URL – Secure websites protect your information through an SSL certificate. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, a security technology which is a global standard. SSL encrypts your personal information when it is submitted through a website. In essence, it takes your information and encodes in in a way that only authorized individuals/parties can access it. One way to identify whether a website is protected through an SSL certificate is by looking at the website URL:
- Secure websites will have a URL that begins with https://
- Unsecure websites will have a URL that begins with http://

Finding the ‘s’ in the URL is how to identify a secure website.

Look For A Closed Lock Near The URL – Another “key” (pun intended) to identifying a secure website is to look for a closed lock symbol near the URL. This lock is an indication from the web browser that the site you’re currently visiting is secure through an SSL certificate. This lock is not just a symbol though. You can click the lock and view information about a specific website’s SSL certificate.

One of the most important factors in staying safe online is learning how to identify a secure website. Before you submit any personal or banking information, make sure the website has your protection in mind by following the steps listed above.