If you’re on a website there are certain red flags that you should be aware of. The first and easiest red flag can be found in the url. If the url does not have the lock symbol that means it does not have a security certificate, could expose any personal information you insert on the site, and could possibly harbor viruses. You can check if it has a certificate by clicking on the lock symbol and seeing if a pop box appears saying “Connection is secure”. The certificate should also have “(valid) next to it in the pop up box. Below is an example of a website with the security lock symbol:
The next red flag is also found in the url. If you visit common sites like facebook and instagram you should make sure that the url is correct. There might be sites called faceboook.com or instagrm.com. These sites have incorrect spelling and could be attempting to steal your login information. Double check to make sure the url is the correct one. Another example of this is with the website stack overflow. The website is https://stackoverflow.com however a malicious individual might make a site misspelled like in the picture below. Always be on the lookout!
The final red flag is the type of site you are going to. Try to stick with well known and official websites while browsing the internet. There are plenty of websites that have shop in the name and are designed to steal credit card information. Below is a great website for checking shop sites and making sure they aren’t a scam:
Also remember: If it feels suspicious, it probably is suspicious!