HTTPS or HTTP: How to tell if a website is unsafe

The modern internet has become an essential part of our daily lives: shopping, communication, banking, and work all happen online. However, along with the convenience of digital services, risks for users have also increased. Simply visiting an improperly secured website can lead to personal data loss or malware infection. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the difference between HTTP and HTTPS, how to identify unsafe websites, and what steps to take to protect yourself.

In this article, we’ll examine key signs of untrustworthy websites, explain how to manually verify a security certificate, and clarify why HTTPS has become the standard for any reputable web project today.

What are HTTP and HTTPS, and how do they differ?

HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) is the foundational protocol for transferring hypertext between web servers and browsers. It emerged alongside the birth of the internet and was the standard for decades. However, its main drawback is that data is transmitted in plain text. Any information entered by the user — whether a login, password, or bank card details — can be intercepted by attackers if no protection is in place.

HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is a modern version of the same protocol, enhanced with SSL/TLS encryption technologies. This ensures a secure connection: all transmitted data is encrypted and can only be decrypted by the intended recipient. This eliminates the risk of data theft or tampering during transmission.

Key differences between HTTP and HTTPS:

• Security level. While HTTP offers no traffic protection, HTTPS guarantees confidentiality and integrity of transmitted data.
• Browser address bar display. Secure websites are marked with a padlock icon — a visual trust signal for visitors.
• Search engine ranking. Search engines like Google and Yandex boost rankings for HTTPS sites, positively impacting SEO.
• Browser compatibility. Most modern browsers warn users about risks when visiting HTTP sites.

Why website security matters

The internet is a space where vast amounts of sensitive information — passwords, credit card numbers, personal data — are exchanged daily. Losing or leaking this data can lead to financial loss and reputational damage.

Main reasons website security is critical:

• User protection: encryption prevents data theft by malicious actors.
• Audience trust: people are more likely to make purchases or enter data on secure sites.
• Search engine optimization: Google and Yandex treat HTTPS as a ranking factor.
• Content integrity: attackers cannot inject malicious code into the site.

If a website still operates over HTTP, it’s perceived as outdated and unsafe.

How to visually identify an unsafe website

You don’t always need technical knowledge to spot an untrustworthy site. Modern browsers provide clear visual cues:

• No padlock icon: if there’s no lock next to the URL, the site uses HTTP.
• “Not Secure” warning: Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari explicitly flag risky sites.
• Suspicious URL: typos, extra characters, or unusual domains (.xyz, .top, etc.).
• Poor design: overly simplistic or poorly crafted pages often indicate scams.

Visual checks are just the first step. A more reliable method is examining the site’s certificate.

How to manually check a website’s certificate

Every HTTPS website has an SSL/TLS certificate. Any user can verify it:

1. Click the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar.
2. Open certificate details. You’ll see:
   • who issued the certificate;
   • its validity period;
   • the domain it’s issued for.
3. Check the expiration date. An expired certificate makes the site vulnerable.
4. Compare the domain. The certificate must match the exact website you’re visiting.

If the certificate is expired, issued by an unknown authority, or doesn’t match the domain — leave the site immediately.

Common signs of fraudulent websites

Scammers often use fake websites to steal data. Watch out for these red flags:

• Fake URLs: mimic legitimate sites but with typos or odd characters (e.g., g00gle.com instead of google.com).
• No HTTPS: most legitimate sites have long since switched to secure protocols.
• Intrusive pop-ups: prompts to download files or enter personal information.
• Too-good-to-be-true offers: 90% discounts, free iPhones, etc.
• No contact info: reputable sites always list phone numbers, addresses, and legal details.
• Spelling and grammar errors: excessive mistakes suggest a scam.

If a site raises doubts on multiple points, don’t trust it with your personal data.

What to do if you accidentally visit an unsafe site

Even experienced users can stumble onto suspicious websites. If this happens, follow these precautions:

• Don’t enter anything. Never type in logins, passwords, or card details.
• Don’t download files. Malware often disguises itself as documents or apps.
• Close the tab. The longer you stay, the higher the risk.
• Scan your device. Run a full antivirus scan.
• Change your passwords. If you entered credentials, update them immediately and notify your bank.

Simple rule: See a “Not Secure” warning? Leave immediately.

The future of the internet: HTTP is becoming obsolete

HTTP was the standard for decades, but it’s rapidly losing relevance. Today’s internet is built on security and trust.

Emerging trends:

• Mandatory HTTPS: many hosting providers now auto-install free SSL certificates.
• HTTP/3: the new protocol version requires encryption by default.
• Browser policies: sites without HTTPS are flagged as “Not Secure.”
• Rising cyber threats: users are increasingly aware of data protection needs.

In the coming years, HTTP will disappear from serious web projects entirely, and HTTPS will become the minimum requirement for operating online.

Conclusion

The internet is a space of opportunity — but also of risk. Understanding the difference between HTTP and HTTPS empowers every user to minimize threats and keep personal data safe.

Remember these key rules:

• Always look for the padlock icon and “https://” in the URL.
• Manually verify certificates if anything seems suspicious.
• Avoid sites with typos, strange offers, or poor design.
• Never enter personal information on unsecured pages.

HTTPS isn’t just a technical detail — it’s the foundation of trust between a website and its visitors. If a site doesn’t use a secure protocol, ask yourself: does it deserve your attention?