Is a website safe if it says not secure?

A website that says "Not Secure" in the address bar or lacks the HTTPS protocol is generally considered less secure. This warning usually appears in modern browsers (like Chrome or Firefox) and indicates that the website does not have an SSL/TLS certificate, which encrypts data sent between your browser and the website.

Here’s what you need to know:

What Does "Not Secure" Mean?

1. No SSL/TLS Encryption: SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are protocols used to encrypt the communication between your browser and the website’s server. Websites that do not use these protocols are labeled as "Not Secure" because any data you submit (like passwords or credit card information) is not encrypted and could be intercepted by malicious third parties.

2. Risk of Data Theft: Without encryption, sensitive data can be exposed to cybercriminals during transmission. This is particularly dangerous when you input personal or financial details like passwords, credit card numbers, or bank account info.

Does "Not Secure" Always Mean Danger?

Not necessarily, but it’s a red flag. Some websites may not require you to submit sensitive information (for example, blogs or informational sites), but others that handle transactions, login credentials, or personal data should always have HTTPS for security.

How to Tell If a Website is Really Secure

1. Look for HTTPS: Check for "https://" (instead of just "http://") at the beginning of the URL. The "s" means the website is using SSL/TLS encryption. There should also be a small padlock icon next to the URL.

2. Check for a Green Padlock: This is the most obvious sign that the website is using HTTPS and is considered secure. You can click on the padlock to view the certificate details.

3. Verify the Website’s Identity: Clicking on the padlock or checking the website’s certificate will allow you to view who issued the certificate (e.g., a trusted Certificate Authority like Comodo, Symantec, or DigiCert).

Why It Matters for Shopping Sites

For online shopping, login pages, or any sites that require you to input sensitive information:

• ALWAYS look for HTTPS and the padlock icon to ensure your data is encrypted and secure.
• Avoid sites with the “Not Secure” warning—they may expose you to security risks like data theft or hacking.
• If you're unsure, do not enter personal or financial details on these sites.

What You Can Do

• Check the URL: Ensure the website uses HTTPS and look for the padlock icon before entering any sensitive information.
• Use a Password Manager: Password managers often flag sites that aren’t secure, helping you avoid entering passwords on insecure pages.
• Look for Trust Seals: Check for security badges or trust seals from recognized authorities (such as Norton, McAfee, or BBB) to confirm the website is safe.
• Read Reviews: Check user reviews and other independent sources to verify the legitimacy of the website.

Conclusion

While a website labeled "Not Secure" may still work for casual browsing, it’s not safe to submit sensitive information like credit card details, login credentials, or personal data on such a site. Always look for the "HTTPS" protocol and padlock icon to ensure the website is properly encrypted and secure.