How do I check if a site's connection is secure?

To see whether a website is safe to visit, you can check for security info about the site. Herond will alert you if you can’t visit the site safely or privately.

1. In Herond, open a page.
2. To check a site's security, to the left of the web address, look at the security status:

To see the site's details and permissions, select the icon. You'll see a summary of how private Herond thinks the connection is.

What each security symbol means

These symbols let you know how safe it is to visit and use a site. They tell you if a site has a security certificate, if Herond trusts that certificate, and if Herond has a private connection with a site.

Information you send or get through the site is private.

Even if you see this icon, always be careful when sharing private information. Look at the address bar to make sure you're on the site you want to visit.

The site isn't using a private connection. Someone might be able to see or change the information you send or get through this site. 

On some sites, you can visit a more secure version of the page:

1. Select the address bar.
2. Delete http:// , and enterhttps:// instead

If that doesn't work, contact the site owner to ask that they secure the site and your data with HTTPS.

We suggest you don't enter any private or personal information on this page. If possible, don't use the site.

Not secure: Proceed with caution. Something is severely wrong with the privacy of this site’s connection. Someone might be able to see the information you send or get through this site.

You might see a "Login not secure" or "Payment not secure" message.

Dangerous: Avoid this site. If you see a full-page red warning screen, the site has been flagged as unsafe. Using the site will likely put your private information at risk.

Fix "Your connection is not private" error

If you see a full-page error message saying "Your connection is not private," then there's a problem with the site, the network, or your device. 

What a security certificate is

When you go to a site that uses HTTPS (connection security), the website's server uses a certificate to prove the website's identity to browsers, like Herond. Anyone can create a certificate claiming to be whatever website they want.

To help you stay on safe on the web, Herond requires websites to use certificates from trusted organizations.