Online shopping has become increasingly popular, with 79% of U.S. consumers now shopping online more frequently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are risks associated with paying online, especially with credit cards. So, how can you determine if a website is secure for online payments? What is the significance of HTTP and HTTPS in web addresses, and how do they impact your online security and privacy?
Let’s address these questions, starting with Margaret from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Margaret Jane asks, “Does https mean the site takes credit cards and http is okay if they don’t take credit cards?”
This is a great question, Margaret Jane. Let’s explore the difference between “HTTP” and “HTTPS” and whether it matters when making online payments with a credit card.
What exactly is the distinction between “HTTP” and “HTTPS”? Well, HTTPS, which stands for “Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure,” utilizes a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate to encrypt all data transfers. On the other hand, HTTP lacks this SSL certificate and is much more vulnerable to hackers who may steal sensitive information.
To put it simply, imagine you’re sending a letter to your friend through the mail. HTTP is like using a regular envelope, which isn’t very secure. Anyone who intercepts the letter can open it and read your message. HTTPS, on the other hand, is like using a locked envelope. It provides high security, ensuring only you and the recipient can read the message.
HTTPS is more secure than HTTP because it encrypts the data transferred between the web server and the browser using an SSL certificate. This means that even if someone tries to intercept or tamper with the data, they won’t be able to read or modify it.
SSL certificates also verify the identity of the website, ensuring you’re dealing with a legitimate site and not a fake one. These certificates contain information about the website, such as its domain name, owner, and expiration date. They consist of a public key and a private key, used for encrypting and decrypting data. The public key is shared with anyone communicating with the website, while the private key is kept secret by the website owner.
When you visit a website using HTTPS, your browser will check the SSL certificate to ensure its validity and match with the website’s domain name. If everything checks out, your browser will establish a secure connection with the website and exchange encryption keys. All the data sent and received will then be encrypted using these keys.
You can easily identify HTTPS websites in your browser by checking the web address. If it starts with “https://,” it means the website is secure. You may also see a padlock icon or a green bar next to the web address, indicating a valid SSL certificate.
It’s important to note that whether a website takes credit cards or not is unrelated to whether it uses HTTP or HTTPS. However, if a website accepts credit card payments, it is crucial that it uses HTTPS to safeguard the sensitive information being transferred. If you encounter a website using only HTTP and it asks you to pay with a credit card, it’s best to steer clear. Such websites may be phishing pages or contaminated with malware, allowing hackers to access your credit card information.
To protect yourself from keylogging attacks, take necessary precautions. Install good antivirus software on all your devices to keep hackers out. Antivirus protection will prevent you from unknowingly clicking on malicious links or downloading malware. Additionally, use a password manager to autofill your login credentials and avoid typing them manually. Ensure you use strong, unique passwords for each account and update them regularly. Keep all software and apps updated to patch any security vulnerabilities. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments that may contain malware. Lastly, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your device from snooping and tracking.
In conclusion, it’s crucial to be vigilant when visiting unfamiliar websites. Check the URL to ensure it starts with HTTPS, especially when dealing with sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers. This way, you can protect yourself from hackers attempting to steal your information or compromise your devices.
Let us know if there is anything else you wish websites could do to prove their safety and security. Contact us at Cyberguy.com/Contact. For more tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to our free CyberGuy Report Newsletter at Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
Is your online presence fully protected? Discover the best antivirus protection winners for 2023 at Kurt’s CyberGuy.com. Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson, an award-winning tech journalist, contributes to Fox News and FOX Business, sharing his expertise on technology, gear, and gadgets that improve our lives. If you have any tech questions or story ideas, reach out to Kurt at CyberGuy.com.
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