How can you tell if a certificate is valid in your web browser?

A padlock icon in the web browser’s address bar indicates that the connection to the website is secure and that the website has a valid SSL/TLS certificate. This certificate ensures that the data transmitted between the user’s browser and the server is encrypted, protecting it from interception by unauthorized parties. When you see the padlock, it signifies that the website has been verified by a trusted certificate authority, which is essential for ensuring a safe browsing experience.

In contrast, an error message appearing does not convey the validity of a certificate. A slow-loading website is unrelated to the certificate itself, as it could stem from various performance issues. Lastly, if no changes occur, it does not provide any indication of the certificate’s status, leaving the user without confirmation regarding the security of the site. The padlock icon is a clear and widely recognized way to confirm that a website’s certificate is valid and that the connection is secure.