Securing .gov Websites: A Guide for Citizens

Welcome to the official government website of the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Here, you'll find valuable information on how to secure and verify government websites. To ensure your online safety, we recommend checking the URL before accessing any government websites.

When searching for a .gov website, look for the following indicators:

• The top-level domain should be ".gov"
• The URL should include "www.fcc.gov" as part of its path
• Be cautious of phishing scams and ensure the link is legitimate

To verify a website's security, check for the following features:

• A padlock icon in the browser address bar indicates secure browsing
• A lock icon next to "https" in the URL confirms secure communication
• A message indicating "Secure" or "Trustworthy" when accessing a website with HTTPS

Remember, it's always essential to be cautious when accessing government websites and services. If you're unsure about the legitimacy of a link or suspect a phishing attempt, report it immediately to the authorities.

Additional Tips for Securing .gov Websites

The FCC provides additional resources for citizens to stay safe online:

• Secure .gov Websites: A Guide
• Learn more about online security and safety at https://www.fcc.gov/education-and-enforcement/online-safety