What is a common indicator of a secure website?

A secure website is commonly indicated by the presence of "https://" in the URL. The "s" stands for "secure" and indicates that the website is using Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS). This protocol encrypts the data exchanged between the user's browser and the website, which helps protect sensitive information such as passwords and credit card numbers from interception by malicious actors.

In contrast, "http://" indicates that the website is not secured and does not provide the same level of protection for data transmission. Security warnings or error messages, such as those found when a website lacks proper SSL certification, signal risks rather than security. The absence of a padlock icon typically signifies that a site may not be secure, making it an unreliable indicator in the context of recognizing a secure website. Therefore, the presence of "https://" clearly communicates that a website incorporates an additional layer of security through encryption.