Understanding URLs for Secure Connections

Understanding URLs for Secure Connections

• A URL consists of several parts that determine its security and authenticity.

HTTP vs. HTTPS

• HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, a set of directions for transferring webpage information across the internet.
• The "S" in HTTPS indicates a secure connection between the user's computer and the server.

Components of a URL

• A URL consists of subdomains, domains, and top-level domains.
• A subdomain (e.g., "blog") is like a function or department within an organization's site.
• The domain name (e.g., "NOB4.com") is the organization's virtual address and should be spelled correctly without special characters.

Security Precautions

• Hackers may use slight variations of trusted sites, replacing periods with hyphens or adding extra characters, to trick users.
• When in doubt, do not click on a suspicious link; instead, search for the website's actual domain using a search engine like Google or Bing.
• Verify with IT or security teams if a link looks suspicious.

Safe Browsing Practices

• Review links carefully to avoid phishing attempts.
• Be cautious of misspelled or slightly modified URLs that may lead to malicious websites.

Learn about the components of a URL, the difference between HTTP and HTTPS, and how to determine the security and authenticity of a website.