Look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. This indicates an SSL certificate, ensuring your data is encrypted during transmission.
Check the URL. Secure websites begin with “https,” not “http.” The “s” signifies a secure connection.
- Examine the certificate details: Click the padlock icon. Your browser will show information about the certificate, including the issuer and validity period. Be wary of self-signed certificates or those from unknown issuers. Use a reputable browser: Modern browsers actively flag potentially unsafe websites. Trust your browser’s warnings. Avoid websites with broken SSL certificates: Errors related to certificates usually mean something is wrong with the site’s security.
Payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or others usually display their own security badges or seals. Their presence doesn’t guarantee absolute security, but it adds a layer of confidence.
Verify the gateway’s legitimacy: Independently confirm the payment processor used by the website. Research if it’s a commonly used and trusted platform. Never input your payment information on a site that shows obvious security flaws.
Remember, strong security measures are not always visible. Trust your instincts; if a site feels suspicious, proceed with caution or choose a different vendor.
