The Lock Icon Represents Encryption, Not Trustworthiness
HTTPS means that the connection between your browser and the website is encrypted, reducing the chances of data being intercepted or altered during transmission. It addresses the question of whether the connection process is safer, not whether the website is run by trustworthy entities.
The Scope of Protection
When you connect to the correct website, your login information, form content, and page data are less likely to be directly read by intermediaries on the network. This is especially important for public Wi-Fi, corporate networks, hotel networks, and general mobile browsing.
Therefore, a login page or payment page without HTTPS poses an inherent risk; however, having HTTPS is only a basic requirement and does not equate to trustworthiness.
Fraudulent Websites Can Also Have HTTPS
It is not difficult to obtain a certificate nowadays; fake shopping sites, fake investment platforms, and phishing login pages can also display the lock icon. As soon as you input a password or credit card information into a fraudulent site, HTTPS will only ‘encrypt’ your data and send it to the fraudster’s server.
When Viewing URLs, Focus on the Main Domain
Don’t just look for brand names in the URL. If a brand name appears in a subdomain or path, it doesn’t mean it is the official website. To judge, look for the actual main domain and pay attention to similar letters, extra hyphens, misspellings, and unfamiliar top-level domains.
Don’t Override Browser Warnings
If your browser shows certificate errors, insecure connection warnings, or site identity verification issues, do not ignore these warnings for the sake of speed. Stop logging in or making payments, and try to access the site via the official app, bookmarks, or by entering the URL manually.
To determine whether a website can be trusted, you must also consider the main domain, the source, page requests, payment processes, and the platform’s inherent credibility. HTTPS is a necessary foundation, but not a guarantee of trust.