Favicon
The website's browser icon
What is a Favicon?
A favicon (short for "favorites icon") is the small icon that appears in browser tabs,
bookmarks, and history. It's typically located at /favicon.ico on most websites.
We check whether a website has a detectable favicon by looking for the standard
/favicon.ico file. This is a simple signal that indicates some level
of website customization and branding.
Why Does a Favicon Matter?
A favicon is a minor signal, but it can indicate:
- Intentional branding: Someone took time to customize the site's appearance
- Established website: Basic web setup has been completed
- Active maintenance: Though not definitive, it suggests some attention to detail
The absence of a favicon isn't necessarily concerning. Many legitimate sites don't have one, and many malicious sites do. It's just one small data point among many.
How to Interpret This Signal
Favicon detected
No favicon detected