How can I tell if a website is safe to use?

Look for these signs to determine if a website is secure:

a. HTTPS in the URL: The “S” at the end of HTTP means the site is secure, encrypting data exchanged with the site. Not all sites use it, but it’s a must for sites that handle sensitive information.

b. Padlock Icon: In many browsers, a padlock near the address bar indicates the site is verified and uses encryption.

c. Trust Seals: Some sites have badges from security companies stating the website is verified or secure. However, these can be faked, so double-check by clicking on the seal to ensure it links to the security company’s certification page.

Resource:

• Google Safe Browsing (https://transparencyreport.google.com/safe-browsing/search):
• You can enter a URL to find out if a website is safe according to Google’s data.