How can you verify the legitimacy of a website?

Verifying the legitimacy of a website is crucial for safe browsing, and one of the most reliable methods is to check for a secure connection (indicated by HTTPS) and to confirm that the URL is correct. When a website uses HTTPS, it signifies that the communication between your browser and the website is encrypted, providing a layer of security against eavesdropping and ensuring that the data exchanged is secure. Additionally, a correct URL helps ensure that you're visiting the intended site and not a fraudulent or spoofed version.

Other options may present risks, such as trusting advertisements, which can be misleading, or following links from emails, which may lead to phishing sites. Checking the number of users online does not provide any valid measure of a website's legitimacy and can be easily manipulated. Thus, relying on the security features and accuracy of the URL is the most effective strategy for verifying a website's legitimacy.