Check out the 7 Steps to Tell if a Website is Secure

Not everything that glitters is gold, and not everything on the internet is reliable. With the growing prominence of online businesses, it is crucial to know how to identify a secure website. Whether you're a seasoned internet user or someone just starting to explore the digital world, understanding the signs of a safe website is essential to avoid potential risks. In this article, we will cover the top 7 steps to check if a website is secure and trustworthy.

Why Does a Company Need to Have a Secure Website?

Website security goes beyond just protecting personal data on online stores. Since 2018, search engines like Google have considered website security as a ranking factor. A secure website enhances its chances of appearing among the top search results. Moreover, having a security certificate instills confidence in your audience, increasing the likelihood of conducting business with your company.

How to Know If a Website Is Secure?

Always look for the "HTTPS" at the beginning of the URL instead of "HTTP." The extra "S" in "HTTPS" stands for "secure," indicating that the website uses a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificate. This certification encrypts all data transmitted between your browser and the website's server, preventing interception or modification of information.

Themes and codes of websites can become vulnerable over time. Ensure that the site's theme is up-to-date and does not contain obsolete code that could compromise security. Avoid using pirated themes, as they may harbor security risks and violate developers' intellectual rights.

Install reputable antivirus software that includes website evaluation features. Some tools prevent navigation on unsecure sites, while others allow users to assess the website's safety. Websites like Virus Total and Google Safe Browsing analyze billions of pages to detect malicious sites or attempts to steal information.

Pay attention to details in the URL. Scammers often use fake addresses with missing letters or typos. Ensure the URL is spelled correctly and free of grammatical errors.

Security seals are used to certify secure websites, but fake seals can be easily created and added to web pages. Verify the authenticity of a security seal by clicking on it and checking if it redirects to the issuer's website or provides additional information.

Use tools like Whois Lookup to determine the ownership of a website. Every website must be registered in the name of an individual or legal entity.

Avoid websites with excessive blinking banners, exaggerated promises, or unrealistically low prices. Such tricks are classic indications of an unsafe website.

Wrap Up

With the ever-evolving threat landscape, ensuring website security has never been more crucial. By following the steps mentioned above, you can protect yourself from potential risks while navigating the web. Remember that website security not only boosts your SEO rankings but also enhances the overall user experience, inspiring confidence in your audience.

Now that you know how to identify a secure website, take the next step in building safer WordPress webpages. Explore our Corporate WordPress Guide and create a robust online presence.

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