How to Fix “Your Connection Is Not Private” Errors
Have you ever encountered a warning message on your browser that says “Your connection is not private” or “NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID” when you try to visit a website? If so, you might be wondering what it means and how to fix it. In this article, I will explain the causes and solutions to this common error.
What does “Your connection is not private” mean?
This error message means that your browser cannot verify the identity of the website you are trying to access. This could be because the website’s security certificate is expired, invalid, or issued by an untrusted authority. A security certificate is a digital document that proves that a website is authentic and secure. It also encrypts the data that you send and receive from the website.
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Why is this error dangerous?
This error is dangerous because it could mean that someone is trying to intercept your communication with the website and steal your personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or bank details. This is known as a “man-in-the-middle” attack. It could also mean that the website you are visiting is malicious and trying to infect your device with malware or viruses.
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How to fix this error?
There are several possible ways to fix this error, depending on the cause and the situation. Here are some of them:
Step 1: Reload the page
Sometimes, this error could be caused by a temporary glitch or a network issue. Try reloading the page by pressing “F5″ key on your keyboard or clicking the refresh button on your browser. This might solve the problem.
Step 2: Check the date and time on your device
If your device’s date and time are incorrect, it could affect your browser’s ability to verify the security certificate of the website. Make sure that your device’s date and time are set correctly and match your time zone.
Step 3: Clear your browser’s cache and cookies
Your browser’s cache and cookies store some data from the websites you visit, such as images, passwords, or preferences. Sometimes, this data could be corrupted or outdated and cause errors. To clear your browser’s cache and cookies, follow these steps:
- On Chrome, click the three dots icon at the top right corner of your browser and select Settings.
- On the left side menu, click Privacy and Security.
- Click Clear browsing data.
- Select a time range and check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Step 4: Try a different browser or device
If none of the above methods work, you might want to try accessing the website from a different browser or device. This could help you determine if the problem is with your browser, your device, or the website itself. If you can access the website from another browser or device without any errors, then the problem is likely with your browser or device. If you still get the same error from another browser or device, then the problem is likely with the website.
Step 5: Contact the website owner
If you are sure that the website you are trying to visit is legitimate and trustworthy, you might want to contact the website owner and inform them about the error. They might be able to fix it by renewing their security certificate or resolving any technical issues on their end.
The “Your connection is not private” error is a common and annoying problem that can prevent you from accessing some websites. However, it can also be a sign of a serious security risk that could compromise your personal information. Therefore, you should always be careful when you encounter this error and follow the steps above to fix it or avoid it.