Mya needs to make an online payment to buy a book on an e-commerce website that she accesses on the Chrome browser. Which of the following website features should make her question its security?
A. An icon that indicates a secure connection
B. “https” in the URL
C. Requirement to sign in with a username and password
D. Absence of a lock icon in her browser window
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: D. Absence of a lock icon in her browser window
When making an online payment, security is paramount. The absence of a lock icon in Mya’s browser window (option D) is the clearest red flag and should make her question the website’s security.
Explanation:
Most modern browsers, like Chrome, display a padlock icon in the address bar when a website has a valid SSL/TLS certificate. This certificate ensures that the website is using HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure)—an encrypted communication channel that protects data like credit card numbers and passwords from being intercepted. The lock icon assures users that their connection is secure and their information is encrypted during transmission.
If the lock icon is absent, it usually means the site is not using HTTPS, and is instead using HTTP, which does not encrypt data. This leaves sensitive information vulnerable to interception by hackers or malicious software, especially on public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
Let’s examine the other options:
- A. An icon that indicates a secure connection: This is a positive sign, not a cause for concern. It often refers to the lock icon that signifies HTTPS.
- B. “https” in the URL: Also a good indicator of a secure site. The “s” in “https” stands for “secure.”
- C. Requirement to sign in with a username and password: This is standard for many e-commerce sites and is not inherently a warning sign—unless it happens without encryption.
In summary, the absence of a lock icon (option D) signals that the website might not be secure, and Mya should avoid entering personal or payment information until she’s sure the site is safe. She should look for both the lock icon and “https” in the URL before proceeding with any financial transaction.