Internet security is the most important trend in the virtual world today. It wasn’t always the case but over the years and many internet frauds later, we have grown wiser. It is also a myth to believe that website security is only for eCommerce or those who sell and accept online payments.
It couldn’t be farther from the truth. Every website needs to be secured. In this article, we will look at a few ways one can seek, to check whether a website is safe. In fact it is necessity for all Websites. The following tools or methods can be used to test the security of any Website.
Check the URL
We have grown up seeing URLs beginning with HTTP but over a period, it has transformed into an HTTPS, the “s” stands for secure. This implies that the website has a certified SSL or Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificate.
A pertinent question that is often asked is why it is necessary. SSLs secures all data to and from the browser and the server holding the website. The small padlock beside the beginning of the URL proudly proclaims that the website is secure.
Security Tools
Modern-day IT Security is replete with powerful tools that analyze the security of the website. Google Safe Browsing is one such robust platform that looks for vulnerabilities and notifies the users of the risks associated with a particular website.
There are a few websites that help consumers check the safety of websites. One such example would be Virus Total. All one needs to do is paste the URL on the search bar of the website and let it evaluate the risks the stated website might pose. But we would not recommend you to test and trust such exercises.
URL is the key
One of the ingenious ways hackers dupe unsuspecting visitors is by almost replicating the URL of a popular website but not wholly. On closer investigation, one may find erroneous information like spelling mistakes and the like.
Fake websites often have red flags like illogical and incorrect content and bad grammar. It is also advisable that users do not visit sites with questionable integrities or links that look spurious. Phishing is a common practice in the hacking community and does have serious repercussions.
Too good to be true
If a website, other than the usual big names, promises huge discounts or deals that may look out of this world, it is time that you be wary of it. As with life, websites that aim to steal information, make loud proclamations.
These websites often have a dated look and seem to be built by novices, with less knowledge of user experience. However, there would also be times when fake websites look absolutely like the real ones. It is therefore extremely necessary to be prudent before providing personal information.
Final Words
While the above-mentioned steps do minimize the chances of untoward circumstances, it is vital to remember that a secure website goes hand in hand with safe browsing. With the world rapidly moving towards an increasingly mobile society, IT Security has become the cornerstone of technology.
It is with good reason that organizations are heavily investing in it for it is always advantageous to be safe rather than be sorry.