I never got to finish the last post....
Websites that begin with https use a security encryption system that insures that data is transmitted in an encrypted format. That way, someone cannot monitor the netork (wireless or wired) and read account names/numbers/passwords or other data "in the clear".
Setting up a website using https tells your computer and the server to encrypt / decrypt the message so nobody can read it.
Security certificates can be an additional help. The owner of a website registers a security certificate. When you go to the website, the certificate is checked to see if it's there... current... etc...
Getting an error related to a security certificate is not an indication that the site is not legit.... however if you are dealing with your bank, stock broker, etc.... I would not trust a site without a security valid security certificate.
Conversely, not getting an error related to the security certificate of an https site does not mean that it's legit. It just means that the owner of the site invested just over $100 to get the certificate.
Mark
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