A system and method for authenticating a resource such as a website or webpage is provided. In response to a script provided with a resource, a verification file is initially generated and stored at a client device. The verification file may be selected or generated with user input. On a subsequent occasion when a resource is accessed by the client device, a script is executed to attempt to retrieve the verification file and display the file at the client device. If the verification file is successfully retrieved and displayed and recognized as the correct verification file, the resource is authenticated.