Which of the following indicates a secure website?

Which of the following indicates a secure website?

• A. HTTPS with a valid certificate, padlock icon, and valid domain
• B. HTTP without encryption
• C. FTP with insecure login
• D. Any URL with a query string

Answer: (A)

Recognizing secure websites relies on encryption and identity verification signals shown in the browser. When a site uses HTTPS, data between your browser and the server is encrypted, which helps protect information from eavesdroppers and tampering. A valid certificate from a trusted authority confirms the site’s identity, and the domain listed on the certificate should match the site you’re visiting, so you’re not being redirected to a fake page. The padlock icon is a user-visible cue that the connection is encrypted and the certificate has been validated. Together, these cues indicate a secure website. The other options fail to guarantee security: HTTP sends data in plaintext, which can be intercepted; FTP with insecure login exposes usernames and passwords; and having a query string doesn’t by itself indicate the connection is encrypted or that the site’s identity has been verified.

Recognizing secure websites relies on encryption and identity verification signals shown in the browser. When a site uses HTTPS, data between your browser and the server is encrypted, which helps protect information from eavesdroppers and tampering. A valid certificate from a trusted authority confirms the site’s identity, and the domain listed on the certificate should match the site you’re visiting, so you’re not being redirected to a fake page. The padlock icon is a user-visible cue that the connection is encrypted and the certificate has been validated. Together, these cues indicate a secure website.

The other options fail to guarantee security: HTTP sends data in plaintext, which can be intercepted; FTP with insecure login exposes usernames and passwords; and having a query string doesn’t by itself indicate the connection is encrypted or that the site’s identity has been verified.