How to check if a website is safe or not These are the Top 5 Signs to Look For
Today, there are many websites online. An average user visits 20-25 sites per day. While some people scroll to a specific website for a specific purpose, others are redirected from different sources like Twitter, Facebook, and so on.
People believe that the website’s information is correct and safe to continue scrolling down when they visit it. This is false as many websites on the Internet are not secure and can steal your information, spread malicious software, spam your e-mails, etc.
1. Use a website safety check tool
As we all know, the web browser comes with built-in security. For more security and authenticity on your website, you can download Google Safe Browsing from your phone or desktop.
Once the file is downloaded, copy the URL and then click the Enter button. Google’s Safe Browser Checker will quickly test the URL and give you a report about its reliability.
2. Double-check your URL
Few people pay much or any attention to the address bar of their browser. Your location and security level are all contained in the address bar.
When you next visit or connect to a website make sure you check the URLs before clicking on any links. It’s quick and easy to verify a website by looking at the URL. The URL can be used to get an idea of where it is located.
3. Check the Domain Name
It is easy to trick users by creating websites that have addresses that look like the major brands. This is a common trick used by scammers to view the domain name and address. If you’re redirected from another website, check the address bar.
You should verify the URL spelling if you are unsure. Attackers often substitute visually similar characters such as Yahoo instead of Yah00.com or Paypal instead of PayPal or Amazon instead of Amaz0n.
4. Verify Trust Seals
Check the trust seals of sites such as McAfee and PayPal or Norton Secured by Symantec. A trust seal means that the website has a security partner or an HTTPS security feature.
These trust seals can be found on login pages, home pages, and checkout pages. Although these may seem like regular signs, they are an indication of security at the site. To verify that the seal of trust is genuine, you can click on the badge.
5. Verify that the company is legitimate
You can also look out for other indicators that will help you determine if a site is safe.
- About the CompanyIf the “About Us” page does not contain the correct information about the company or contradicts different points, this is a red indicator that the business is not coordinated and maybe a scam to trick users.
- Telephone number and address: A business that lists a physical address and a phone number is more likely to be legitimate. Reputable businesses will provide their contact information to you so that you can reach them in case of a problem.
- Privacy PolicyPrivacy policies are a requirement for trusted websites. It is also a legal requirement in most countries. This gives you an idea of a website that does not sell or store your data. Take a moment to review the privacy policies on the website.
- Return policy: Reputable websites have shipping and return policies. These policies should be available on every site.
Closing words
Some people find selling and buying goods online scary. It can also require extra security precautions. If you’re unsure, How can I verify a website’s safety, it is better to bounce again and do your research. It is important to be cautious and avoid falling for online frauds and scams.