How to check that a website is secure and has a valid Security Certificate (in Internet Explorer)

Last Updated: 15/10/08

A Security Certificate is proof of a company’s identity.

A certificate shows that the webpage is that of the genuine company. Always check for a security certificate before entering your financial details on a website.

To check the validity of a Security Certificate in Internet Explorer follow the steps below.

Step 1

Internet Explorer : To check that a site is secure, look for the yellow lock icon shown to the right of the toolbar at the top of the page.

Firefox : To check that a site is secure, look for the yellow lock icon shown to the right of the status bar in the bottom right hand corner of the webpage.

Warning: This lock icons can be faked.

Step 2

Internet Explorer : Double click on the lock icon and click View certificates to display the security certificate for the site. The window opposite will appear. Check the Issued to details match the name of the site, including the site owners.

Firefox: Double click on the lock icon to display the security certificate for the site. The window opposite will appear.

Step 3

Internet Explorer : The name following "Issued to:" should match the name of the site. Check that the Issued by: is a legitimate certificate authority such as Digi-Sign.

Firefox : Click on the View button to see the sites security information. The window opposite will appear. Check that the Issued To details match the name of the site including site owners. Check the Issued By details are from a reliable source such as Digi-Sign.

How to check that a website is secure and has a valid Security Certificate (in Internet Explorer)

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