What is a common characteristic of a secure website?

A common characteristic of a secure website is that its URL begins with "https." The "s" in "https" stands for "secure" and indicates that the website uses a secure protocol known as SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security). This protocol encrypts the data exchanged between the user's browser and the web server, ensuring that sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and personal data, is protected from eavesdroppers and attackers.

Websites that utilize "http" lack this layer of encryption, making them more vulnerable to various types of cyber threats, such as man-in-the-middle attacks. Therefore, the presence of "https" is a definitive indicator that the website has taken steps to enhance its security and protect user data.

Other options, while they might contribute to the user experience, do not directly indicate the security status of a website. For instance, the speed at which a website loads is more related to its performance rather than security measures. Similarly, a simplistic layout of a website does not imply anything about its security. Hence, the presence of "https" is the key characteristic that signals a website's commitment to user safety.