Which element indicates a secure website connection?

A secure website connection is indicated by the use of HTTPS, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. This protocol is an extension of HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) but includes an additional layer of security by using encryption to protect the data exchanged between the user's browser and the website server.

When you see "HTTPS" in the URL, it means that the information transmitted is encrypted, making it difficult for unauthorized parties to intercept or read the data. This is particularly important for activities that involve sensitive information, such as online banking, shopping, or entering personal details.

In contrast, HTTP does not provide this security layer, leaving data vulnerable to interception. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used for transferring files, but it also lacks inherent security features. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is primarily used for sending emails and does not indicate anything about website security. Thus, HTTPS is the element that specifically assures the user of a secure connection on the web.