A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is a standardized address used to identify and locate resources on the Internet, such as web pages, images, or files. It consists of several components, including the protocol (e.g., http, https), domain name (e.g., example.com), and the specific path to the resource. URLs are essential in cybersecurity, as they help users and systems navigate the web securely. Malicious actors may use deceptive URLs for phishing or malware distribution, making it important to verify and scrutinize URLs before clicking. Secure URLs often use the HTTPS protocol, indicating encrypted communication between the browser and the server.