How is a secure website indicated?

A secure website is indicated by an image of a closed padlock and a web address that starts with "https://". The "https" stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure, which means data transmitted between the user's browser and the website is encrypted, providing a layer of security against eavesdropping. The closed padlock icon typically appears in the address bar of web browsers, symbolizing that the connection is secure. This visual cue, alongside the "https" designator, reassures users that their data is being handled with care and signifies that the site has been authenticated and secured with an SSL certificate.

In contrast, an open padlock would imply that the connection is not secure. Additionally, a web address starting with "http://" lacks the Security (SSL) encryption, signaling that it is not secure. A unique domain may denote a specific website but does not inherently indicate security. Therefore, the combination of the closed padlock icon and the "https://" prefix is a standard indicator of a secure website.