We are living in a world that millions of internet users surf through thousands of websites every single day. It’s a fact that websites aren’t solely for entertainment, nowadays, a lot of companies are operating on the internet. It is therefore crucial to understand the top secure web-based platforms and the security measures that every user should take.
It’s also a requirement for every webmaster to ensure that visitors are safe. But, unfortunately, certain websites aren’t safe even at all. A website that isn’t secure can compromise the security of the user by infecting users with malware, taking their personal information as well as sending spam and more.
In other situations, regardless of how cautious people are in their business, they aren’t always attentive and put themselves in risky environments. This doesn’t happen solely because of bad intentions. often, it’s because a large number of people are engaging with the world of digital in the very first instance.
However there are a lot of indicators that a site is secure. Understanding these is vital in order to avoid losing money. If you’re looking to learn more about how to determine whether a site is secure read this article. In this article, we’ll discuss:
7 Steps to Verify Secure Websites
To safeguard your personal information as well as your own It’s crucial to be aware that the website you visit takes your security seriously. But how can you discern? Check these seven indicators that a site is secure:
-
Verify the SSL certificate
Majority of URLs start by using “https” instead of just “http” to indicate that they’re secure. This is a security feature provided by an SSL certificate, which safeguards sensitive information that is entered on the website as it is transferred from the site to the server.
If a website doesn’t have the SSL certificate, the information is exposed and readily accessible to cybercriminals. It’s important to note that HTTPS does not mean the end all be all that a website could do – or ought to do to safeguard its users, but it is an excellent sign that the website’s owner is concerned about your security. When you log into your account, make a purchase or simply add your email address to the site, make sure that the URL begins by containing “https.”
If you check the address bar on your browser now you’ll notice that there is a tiny padlock just before the address of our blog. When you click on the link when you click it, a message saying that “the connection to this site is secure” will pop up depending on the browser you are using and, naturally.
-
Avoid Spam Links and Websites
Before you click on a risky hyperlink or divulge any financial or personal information to the website, ensure you are following the steps that were mentioned earlier. Some things, like flashing banners that blink incessantly, multiple page redirects from torrent sites, exaggerated promises, or cheap prices for products are typical warning signs that a site or email address isn’t safe.
-
Check for Typo in Website Address
Most users don’t pay close attention to small specifics, some criminals gain from this lapse when they apply scams. A letter that is missing or a typo or sometimes serious grammar errors are all indications that the website isn’t secured and could be a scam.
In some instances fake addresses substitute characters, such as replacing an “o” to a zero. If you’re in a rush and need to get their work done, the g0ogle.com website could be a site which doesn’t draw any attention.
-
Look for a privacy policy
The privacy policies of a website should clearly explain how data is collected, used and secured by the website. Most websites include one since they are required by privacy laws in nations like the U.S, Australia and Canada and more stringent regulations have been enacted within the EU. Privacy policies indicate that the owner of the site cares about observing the laws in place and making sure that their site is secure. Check for one and go through carefully before you give your personal information to a website.
-
Utilize Security Tools
Most likely, you have a virus removal app installed on your PC, isn’t it? The majority of digital security companies create software that tells the user the security of a website. In certain situations, these tools can prevent navigation when there’s no security certificate for the address, or if the certificate has already expired.
Some companies permit users of the Internet to review the site before deciding whether or not to browse. These tools are typically integrated into the antivirus software, similar to browser plugins. Additionally, there is a variety of VPN services that could be helpful to you.
Before you choose an antivirus, make sure you do some research about the reputation of the company online. One such tool is Google Safe Browsing. Its advantages are that it utilizes Google’s database that performs an examination of trillions of web pages and increases the chances of detecting malicious websites and sites that attempt to steal data from the users.
-
Be Cautious of Security Seals
Numerous companies certify websites by using security marks. However, it’s not difficult to make fake stamps in editing software and then place them on websites. The most effective way to verify the authenticity of the seal, by simply clicking the seal and then determining whether it directs you to the official website of the organization that issued it or if it provides additional details. Fake stamps are fake images that do not provide any of the information listed above.
It is also recommended to look up the certification on Google and verify if the certification actually exists. This is vital on e-commerce websites.
-
Find the Contact of the Website Owner
The process of verifying this information is easy. Each website needs to be registered under the name of a legal company. Companies such as Who is Lookup allow you to look up, within the Who is field, to find the owner of a website.
Also, the ideal site will clearly provide contact information such as email addresses, phone numbers, physical address if they have one, a return policy when applicable, and the social networks accounts. They won’t always provide security but they will show that they’re likely to have somebody you can talk to for assistance if you require it.
Conclusion
It’s not simple nor straightforward to know if any website is safe and secure, however, this shouldn’t deter you from using the internet. Follow the given step-by-step approach to determine whether the site is secure or not before engaging with it and safeguard your personal information from all cyber-attacks.
