WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BROWSING TO KNOW IT IS SECURE

[MOLITTLE]

When you browse the web should the address header begin with httpS and a LOCK icon in the lower part of the window. I have tried a few web browsings to check and at the front of the address it has what looks like a page with an e in (almost looks as if email). All the sites I tried started with http and not httpS. I looked at the bottom of the screen on the left and the same page with an e in is shown. I cannot see any LOCK symbol so I am still concerned about security on the web as I previously had the message about being "redirected to a connection that is not secure" after Dell had to reload my PC back to factory setting due to a virus. Would appreciate any advise.

[ChuckFickens]

Any site will only be secure if it's necessary... for example this site is not secure because there is no need for it to be, any page that requires you to enter details such as credit card numbers or login details for sensitive stuff (like online banking) should be secure.

the little E just means you are using internet explorer and the site you are viewing has not set a different icon (favicon is it's proper name) for the site so IE is showing it's default favicon.

[Buenchico]

An excellent answer (as always, of course) from Chuck.

I'll simply explain the "redirected to a connection that is not secure" bit. That message is usually nothing to worry about. It simply means that you're switching from a secure web page to an 'ordinary' one. For example, you might book some airline tickets online. Throughout the booking process you should be seeing 'https' (and the lock symbol), which means that your debit card details can't go astray. However, when you booking has already been fully completed, there might be a button which says 'Click here to finish'. All that the button does is to take you to an 'ordinary' page, advertising the airline's current special offers. Under those circumstances you might see the message you've referred to but, since you're no longer inputting personal data, there's no cause for concern.

Chris

[MOLITTLE]

Thank you both so much for taking the time to reply.