SafeSchools Training 2 Practice Test

Verifying a website’s legitimacy comes from confirming a secure connection and a valid identity. When a site uses HTTPS and presents a valid certificate, with a padlock icon shown by the browser, you have visual indicators that the connection is encrypted and the site’s identity has been validated by a trusted authority. HTTPS means data between you and the site is protected from interception, while a valid certificate means the site’s certificate is issued by a trusted authority, is not expired, and matches the site’s domain. The padlock icon is a quick cue that these checks have passed, giving you more confidence before entering any sensitive information. Taking a screenshot and sharing with colleagues doesn’t verify legitimacy. Ignoring certificate warnings bypasses critical protections and can expose you to attacks. Entering sensitive information just because a site loads quickly is risky, since speed doesn’t confirm legitimacy and phishing sites can load rapidly as well.