SANS Assessment of Student Learning Plan (ASLP) Security Awareness Training

What is the best way to confirm that your connection to a website is encrypted?

1. Look for a green address bar

2. Check for a padlock icon in the status bar

3. Verify the URL begins with "http"

4. Check the website's security certificate

The correct answer is: Check for a padlock icon in the status bar

The best way to confirm that your connection to a website is encrypted is to check for a padlock icon in the status bar. This padlock icon indicates that the website is using HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), which means the data transferred between your browser and the website is encrypted. Encryption protects sensitive information from being intercepted by malicious actors, providing an essential layer of security for online activities such as entering personal information or making online purchases. While the other options offer some related information, they do not directly confirm that the connection itself is encrypted. For instance, a green address bar may indicate a secure connection, but its visibility can vary based on browser settings and the website’s configuration. Similarly, checking if the URL begins with "http" is not effective since "http" alone indicates an unencrypted connection, while "https" signifies encryption. Finally, while verifying the website's security certificate can provide affirming details about the website’s legitimacy and the encryption in use, it requires more technical knowledge. The padlock icon serves as a clear, user-friendly visual cue that the connection is secure.