Secure Website Connections
Nearly all websites, including all banking, financial, and government websites, use encryption technology to scramble information passed between the site and the user. The encryption protocol is referred to as HTTPS. A secure connection means that information passed between the website and a user’s computer cannot be intercepted and read by an eavesdropper, drastically limiting a cybercrook’s ability to capture sensitive information like usernames and account information, and passwords. The content of your messages, including usernames and passwords, is encrypted with the same high-level technology that protects banking transfers. Your browser will stop if you try connecting to an unprotected site. Browsers use a visual indicator to confirm a protected connection–a locked padlock symbol. This symbol means that the website has a registered security certificate that your browser has verified and that you have established a secure connection between your computer and the website. Close the connection if you don’t see this symbol or your browser warns you about a website.
It can be safer to shop and bank online than in person. And it is undoubtedly more convenient. Look for the lock symbol and learn to spot phishing and other scams in our free online Guide to Online Safety.
A secure connection means that your connection with a website is encrypted, not that the website is trustworthy. The website can still be unsafe. Your browser may detect malware and viruses on a site or know that the address is on a list of phishing or malware sites and display warnings. Pay attention, the threats are real.
Heed browser warnings
HTTPS is today’s standard across the internet, especially in the U.S.. All major browsers will warn you away from non-HTTPS sites, and some will refuse the connection completely. It’s in your best interest to avoid sites that do not provide a secure connection–it just isn’t professional or safe.
