With more people keeping personal data on their computers, it has never been more crucial to steer clear of internet scammers seeking access to your files through malicious websites. An unsafe website can spread malware, send spam, steal your personal information, and more. To protect yourself, it’s essential to know the signs of an unsafe website, so you can more swiftly leave and not give out any personal data that could harm you or your computer.
But how can you tell? Here are four signs:
1. Check for SSL Certificate
An SSL certificate safeguards your sensitive data, such as financial data, while moving from a website to a dedicated server. A website with an SSL certificate has a URL that starts with ‘HTTPS’ rather than ‘HTTP,’ meaning the site is encrypted. A website without an SSL certificate poses a risk of interception.
2. Find Contact Information
Any legitimate website is supposed to display their contact details — including email addresses, phone numbers, and the address of where they’re located. Inasmuch as this doesn’t offer protection by itself, it lets you know that they are genuine to reach out to in case you need any help.
3. Watch for Unusual Pop-Ups
Another sign that things aren’t as they ought to be is pop-ups that are not linked to the website you’re visiting. These pop-ups are likely trying to lure you into clicking and downloading a virus or malware by accident. When the pop-ups show up, it’s best to close all of them instantly and navigate away.
4. Search for A Trusted Seal
If you come across an icon with the words “verified” or “secure,” it’s likely a trust seal. A trust seal shows that the website collaborates with a security partner. It’s also an indicator that the website has safety measures such as malware scan and HTTPS security. When you click the trust seal badge, it should direct you to a verification page.
In conclusion, simply being able to recognize a safe website goes a long way in helping you safeguard your data when it comes to your online safety. To learn more about how we can ensure that your computer is secured, contact us today. We’ll be more than exhilarated to help you!