A website refers to a collection of web pages and related content that is identified by a common domain name and published on at least one web server. Examples of websites are wikiedia.org and google.com etc. A website URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the location of a specific website, page, or file on the internet. It’s made up of three components;
- The protocol consists of the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP).
- The domain name is an identifier for a specific site.
- The path directs the browser to a specific page on the website.
There are unsafe websites that could possibly be used as a means for cybercriminals to get personal information from users. To determine whether or not a website is safe, the followings points could be considered
The website protocol should be examined
A typical website protocol is “HTTP” but a secure one contains an “s” at the end as well as a padlock at the right-hand side. If there’s an “s” (which stands for secure) at the end of the protocol (HTTPS), it implies the website has an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate. The SSL certificate which provides security for online communications is used to secure all data that is passed from the browser to the website’s server.
The URL should be crosschecked
Wrong spellings are an indication of hurriedness and impatience. Scammers tend to not take into consideration minute errors in their broadcast messages which could potentially give them away. Such errors could be with spellings such as “go0gle” instead of Google. The wrong vocabulary is also one of those errors that could easily be picked up by users. These are mistakes that safe websites which have been created with time and patience won’t make.
The owner of the site should be verified
Every website must be registered under the name of an individual or legal entity. To verify a domain name owner, a WHOIS lookup service can be used such as ICANN.
Spam
Websites that keep redirecting you to suspicious-looking sites or those that keep urging you to click “ALLOW” on some pages are typical examples of sites that aren’t secure. Letting go of personal information on sites like these can be very detrimental. They are easily recognized by their flashing lights and suspicious-looking banners. The content of the promises made on such sites is usually exaggerated and possibly unrealistic promises. Lastly, unusually low product prices are also hinting at the site being unsafe.
Website safety checkers should be used
A website safety checker is a simple tool that indicates which areas of your site are potentially vulnerable to attack by cybercriminals. Examples of such sites are:
- Sucuri SiteCheck,
- Mozilla Observatory,
- Detectify etc.
Browser’s safety tools should be employed
Today’s browsers contain built-in browser tools that can block annoying pop-ups and do not track requests to websites. In situations where you want additional security, other browser security add-ons such as:
- Avira Browser Safety,
- Avast Online Security,
- Adblock Plus can be used.
The privacy policy
Most websites will have a privacy policy page as it’s the law in most countries. The unavailability of one should cause attention as it’s suspicious. A privacy policy is a document that explains how an organization handles any customer, client or employee information gathered in its operations.
Company’s contact information
The number under which the company is registered should be called. If the number doesn’t exist or the people who answer don’t know about the site, then it’s probably a scam. A message may as well be sent to the company’s email for verification. The absence of any means of contact is a sure sign of something fishy going on.
Web security tools should be installed
A robust cyber security tool works as an effective scam checker to help avoid fake sites.
Reviews should be taken into account
What people have to say about their experience with a site will go a long way to prove the authenticity of the website.
- Is that website you are on safe? - June 3, 2022
- Signs of Phishing attempts - June 3, 2022
- The consequences of not being privacy aware - January 20, 2022
One Response
Good post. I learn something new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon on a daily basis. Its always interesting to read articles from other writers and practice something from other sites.