This can open your computer and its files to the world. Communication over the Internet To intercept communication over the Internet is a very difficult thing for your average computer vandal, but it is possible. That is one reason why especially sensitive information should be encrypted as it travels through cyberspace. Encrypting encodes that data so that if someone does intercept it, it will, for the most part, be jibberish. There are various tools and levels of encryption.
Web browsers can identify when they are being requested to communicate in a secure mode.
Often a secure site will trigger a lock icon in the corner of your browser or some other indication. You can also set browser preferences to inform you of when you enter secure areas and when you send information over the Internet in a secure manner. Sadly, there are sites that claim to be secure and are not. In this age, the technology to secure Web transactions is inexpensive. Any legitimate commercial company should have this security in place.