What does "https" indicate about a website?

The presence of "https" in a website's URL indicates that the site is secured using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) encryption. This encryption is designed to protect the data being transmitted between the user's browser and the web server. It helps to ensure that the information exchanged, such as personal details, login credentials, and payment information, is not intercepted or tampered with by malicious parties.

With SSL/TLS encryption, data is encrypted before it is sent and can only be decrypted by the receiving party. This significantly enhances the security of online communications, making it a vital component for any site that handles sensitive information. Thus, recognizing "https" as a sign of security is crucial for users when deciding whether to trust a website with their information.