When it comes to internet browsing, safety is a big concern. You want the websites you are looking at to be secure, especially when entering personal information such as your name, address, phone number, and banking information such as a debit or credit card. 

Your computer can also be at risk when searching through insecure websites. Hackers will use these websites to gain control of your computer and infect it with viruses that you can pass on to other computers through e-mails and shared files. Hackers can also gain access to your personal information stored on your computer.

So, how do you protect yourself and your computer when exploring the internet? Websites should have a layer of protection called Secure Sockets Layer or SSL. 

When searching any website, you may have come across SSL, or at least should have. Secured websites should come up as this: https://. That extra s represents the SSL or Secured Sockets Layer. Meaning the website you are looking at is secured and encrypted. So, you can continue browsing, knowing any information you enter will be safe. 

Sometimes the SSL can be displayed as a lock in the corner of the search bar beside the website name. 

If you are building a website for your business, you will want to ensure that your site has an SSL, especially if your customers are entering vital information. You can obtain an SSL through your domain host and the platform where you built your website. 

SSL can also help boost your website to the top of a Google Search because it is protected. And since security is essential, it's always best to have someone knowledgeable about building websites and IT.

If you're a small business owner with no IT guys, don't worry; this is where The Computer Geek comes in. We specialize in all things computers and websites. Our team can help you ensure your website is safe and secure. We can also help you boost your website with advice on Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, as it's commonly referred to. 

So remember, when searching and exploring websites. Always check for https://, especially if you are entering any of your information. It's also essential that you have virus protection and a scanner to ensure your computer is always protected.

For more information on what we do, visit our website or call us at (905)426-1784. We are available seven days a week, including holidays.