What are Secure .gov Websites?
Secure .gov websites are government websites that have undergone a security review process to ensure they meet the same standards as commercial websites. These websites use HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) encryption, which protects user data and communications.
How to Identify Secure .gov Websites
- Look for the "https" prefix in the URL: All secure .gov websites start with "https://". Check this before entering any sensitive information.
- Verify the website's domain name: Make sure the website's domain name starts with ".gov", which is a government domain extension. This confirms that the site is indeed a public-facing government website.
- Check for the presence of a lock icon (https): A lock icon at the bottom right corner of your browser window indicates a secure connection, ensuring you're interacting with a trusted source.
