How can one identify and avoid malicious websites?

One way to identify malicious websites and avoid falling victim to phishing scams or malware downloads is to carefully examine the website’s URL. Look for misspelled words, extra characters, or suspicious domain extensions. Check if the site uses encryption (HTTPS) and has a padlock icon in the address bar. Additionally, be cautious of websites asking for excessive personal information, offering deals that seem too good to be true, or displaying aggressive pop-ups. Using security tools like antivirus software, web filters, and browser extensions can also help identify and block malicious websites.