Is This Website Safe? 10 Ways to Tell if a Site Is Secure

Every website owner should take responsibility for ensuring the safety of their visitors, but unfortunately, some websites just aren’t secure. An unsafe website can spread malware, steal your information (possibly for identity theft), send spam, and more. To protect yourself and your personal information from hackers, it’s important to know what a legitimate website looks like.

But how can you tell? Look for these ten signs to tell if a website is secure:

1. Look for the “S” in HTTPS

If HTTPS sounds familiar, it should – many website URLs begin with “https” instead of just “http” to indicate that they are encrypted. This security is provided by an SSL certificate, which stands for Secure Sockets Layer certificate. It protects sensitive information entered into that website as it travels from the site to a server through a secure connection.

A bonus to having that security certificate is the visual indicator it provides. In Chrome, the traditional padlock icon has been replaced with a "tune" icon. Clicking this icon reveals site settings and connection details, such as certificate information and permissions. Other browsers may still display a padlock or similar icon to indicate a secure connection.

Without an SSL certificate, that information is exposed and easily accessible by cybercriminals. It’s important to note that HTTPS isn’t the only sign of a secure website, but it’s a good sign that the website owner cares about your safety. Whether you’re logging in, making a payment, or just entering your email address, check that the URL starts with “https.”

2. Watch for suspicious URLs and typosquatting

Cybercriminals often register fake websites with URLs that look nearly identical to legitimate ones. These domains might contain subtle misspellings, swapped letters, or extra characters that are easy to miss at first glance. Always double-check the website address before clicking or entering personal information. If something looks slightly off—like amaz0n.com instead of amazon.com—it’s best to steer clear.

3. Read the “About Us” page

A professional website should clearly state who they are and what they do. Look for an “About Us” page that outlines the company’s mission, values, and leadership team. While it’s not a guarantee of website safety, transparency about ownership and operations is often a sign that the site is legitimate. A lack of company background or vague details may be a sign of an unsafe site.

4. Check for a website privacy policy

A website’s privacy policy should clearly communicate how your data is collected, used, and protected by the website. Nearly all websites will have one, as they are required by data privacy laws in countries like Australia and Canada, and even stricter rules have been introduced in the EU. A privacy policy indicates that the website owner cares about complying with these laws and ensuring that their website is safe. Be sure to look for one and read it before giving your information to a website.

5. Find their contact information

If finding a website’s contact information makes that site seem more trustworthy to you, you’re not alone. A survey of website visitors found that 44 percent of respondents will leave a website that lacks a phone number or other contact information. Ideally, a safe website will display an email address, a phone number, a physical address if they have one, a return policy if applicable, and active social media accounts. These won’t necessarily provide protection, but they indicate that there’s likely someone you can reach out to if you need assistance.

6. Verify their trust seal

If you see an icon with the words “Secure” or “Verified,” it’s likely a trust seal. A trust seal indicates that the website works with a security partner. These seals are often an indicator that a site has HTTPS security, but they can also indicate other safety features, like the date since the site’s last malware scan.

Although 79 percent of online shoppers expect to see a trust seal, the presence of the seal isn’t enough. It’s also important to verify that the badge is legitimate. Fortunately, it’s easy to do – simply click the badge and see if it takes you to a verification page. This confirms that the site is working with that particular security firm. It doesn’t hurt to do your own research on the company supplying the badge, too!

If a trust seal is legitimate, clicking on it will take you to a page that verifies the authenticity of that seal. As an example, SiteLock’s verification page looks like this.

7. Be cautious with payment methods

Most trustworthy websites that encourage online shopping will accept secure, widely-used payment methods such as credit cards, PayPal, or trusted third-party processors. If a site only accepts cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards, take caution—these non-traditional options are often used in scams because they’re difficult to trace or recover.

8. Use free website security tools

Make sure you’re not accessing a malicious website with Google Safe Browsing. This free tool helps protect internet users from visiting dangerous websites or downloading malicious files. It not only identifies and flags websites that contain malware or phishing content, warning users before they can even access them, but Google Safe Browsing also constantly updates its database of unsafe websites.

SiteLock also offers a free website scanner. Simply input your domain name, and SiteLock will conduct a free external scan, searching for known malware or malicious code while ensuring your site is up-to-date and secure. While this scan is effective at detecting visible malware in real time, certain types may require deeper investigation with server access. For a thorough check, we recommend website owners conduct a comprehensive full scan, especially if server issues are suspected.

9. Know the signs of website malware

Even if a website has an SSL certificate, a privacy policy, contact information, and a trust badge, it may still not be safe if it is infected with malware. But how do you know if a website is infected with malware? Look for the signs of these common malware attacks:

• Defacements: This attack is easily spotted. Cybercriminals replace a site’s content with their name, logo, and/or ideological imagery.

• Suspicious pop-ups: Be cautious of pop-ups that make outlandish claims – they are likely trying to entice you to click and accidentally download malware.

• Malvertising scams: Some malicious ads are easy to catch. They typically appear unprofessional, contain grammar/spelling errors, promote “miracle” cures or celebrity scandals, or feature products that don’t match your browsing history. It’s important to note that legitimate ads can also be injected with malware by scammers, so exercise caution when clicking.

• Phishing kits: Phishing kits are websites that imitate commonly visited sites, like banking websites, to trick users into handing over sensitive information. They may appear legitimate, but spelling and grammar errors will give them away.

• Malicious redirects: If you type in a URL and are redirected to another site – especially one that looks suspicious – you have been affected by a malicious redirect. They are often used in conjunction with phishing kits.

• SEO spam: If you see odd or irrelevant links—especially in comments—it could indicate SEO spam.

• Search engine warnings: Some popular search engines will scan websites for malware, and place a warning on that site if it is definitely infected with malware.

10. Trust your instincts

Scam websites often lure visitors with prices or promotions that seem too good to be true—and they usually are. If a deal feels suspiciously generous, take a moment to evaluate the website before making a purchase. Trust your instincts: poor design, vague information, or unusual payment methods are all red flags. When something doesn’t feel right, it’s safer to walk away.

It’s unfortunate that not every website is trustworthy and secure, but don’t let that keep you from going online—just do it safely! Simply being able to recognize a safe website can go a long way to help protect your personal data. A secure HTTPS connection, a privacy policy, contact details, and a verified trust seal are strong indicators of a safe site. For more on protecting your information online, check out our cybersecurity resources.

Explore SiteLock’s malware removal services. If your site’s security has already been compromised, learn how we can help restore it quickly and prevent vulnerabilities. Stay safe online!