How can one recognize a secure website?

A secure website can be recognized by the presence of "https://" at the beginning of its URL along with a padlock icon displayed in the address bar. The "https://" signifies that the website is using Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, which means that the data exchanged between the user's browser and the website is encrypted, providing an additional layer of security. This encryption helps protect sensitive information, such as login credentials and payment details, from being intercepted by malicious actors.

The padlock icon serves as a visual cue for users to understand that the session is secured with SSL/TLS encryption. Together, these elements indicate that the website has taken steps to secure its communications and protect user data. Recognizing these markers can help users feel more confident in their interactions with the site.