How can you recognize a secure website?

Recognizing a secure website is crucial for online safety, and the most reliable method is to check for "https://" at the beginning of the URL, along with a padlock icon in the browser's address bar. The "https://" indicates that the website is using a secure protocol for communications, which encrypts the data exchanged between the user's browser and the website, mitigating the risk of eavesdropping and data breaches. The padlock icon serves as a visual confirmation that the connection is secure, giving users confidence that their information is being protected as they navigate the site or enter sensitive data such as passwords or credit card numbers.

Other options may not provide reliable indicators of security. For example, a website's logo or color scheme does not determine its security status and can easily be imitated by malicious sites. Additionally, "http://" without the 's' indicates a lack of encryption, which may expose users to various online threats. Therefore, understanding these elements helps users make informed decisions when interacting with online platforms.