When conducting online transactions, what indicates a secure connection?

The presence of "https" and a lock icon signifies a secure connection when conducting online transactions. The "https" stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure, indicating that the data transmitted between your browser and the website is encrypted, making it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to intercept or access the information. The lock icon further emphasizes this security, providing a visual cue that the site is using secure technology, which is crucial for protecting sensitive information such as credit card numbers and personal data during online transactions.

In contrast, other options do not ensure a secure connection. A privacy policy, while important for understanding how your data will be used, does not indicate that the connection itself is secure. Using a public network can introduce significant security risks, as these networks may not have protections in place to safeguard your data. Lastly, "http" without a lock suggests that the connection is not secure, meaning that data transmitted could easily be intercepted or accessed by malicious actors. Therefore, recognizing the combination of "https" and the lock icon is essential for determining the security of online transactions.