To ensure privacy, your browser checks the site’s security certificate. If a certificate isn’t up to the mark, it could mean that your private information isn’t encrypted. Consequently, personal data is exposed to online threats. The error message indicates that the connection is not secure and should not be overlooked.
Why is “your connection is not private” displayed?
Before entering a website, your browser verifies its digital certificates to guarantee they match the criteria. It is to protect your private information via encryption, such as contact info, passwords, and payment methods entering a website. The browser verifies the site’s digital certificates to guarantee they match the criteria and will protect your private information. Most typically, the “your connection is not private” problem is caused by a site’s Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certification (connection security). If the browser can’t validate an SSL certificate, it displays “your connection is not private” There are various aspects in which an SSL certificate cannot be validated. Whatever caused the SSL issue, the website owner must rectify it. There are situations, though, when your browser or device settings may be malfunctioning and preventing you from establishing a connection with the website. Fortunately, one can fix the error quickly. The procedures are the same for every browser. Below are some suggestions and things to look into to resolve the issue.
1. Reload the page
Close and reopen the browser and attempt loading the page again if you get a “your connection is not private” error. There could have been a problem with your browser configuration or the website’s SSL certificate is being reissued.
2. Examine the computer’s clock
Your computer’s clock may also cause errors. Browsers use these to verify an SSL certificate. This is common with new computers, especially Wi-Fi laptops. First-time logins don’t always sync automatically. The procedures for changing your computer’s time are listed below:
Windows
- Close and reopen your browser. Afterwards, try revisiting the site.
Mac
(If a padlock appears at the window’s bottom, click it and enter the administrator credentials).
3. Use Incognito mode
If you suspect your browser’s cache may be at fault but don’t want to remove it, you can go to incognito mode. Or try another browser to see if you still notice the issue. Chrome addons are also an option.
4. Erase your browser’s cache and cookies
Before proceeding to further in-depth troubleshooting steps, it is usually a good idea to clear the cache in your browser. Especially if you suspect that the problem could be caused by your browser. Follow these instructions to clear the SSL status in Chrome on Windows: 3. Change proxy settings can be found under Network. The Internet Properties dialogue box is displayed. 4. Navigate to the Content tab. 5. Click OK after selecting “Clear SSL state.” Chrome should be restarted.
5. Try changing DNS servers
Changing your DNS servers is the next thing you can try. When utilising Google’s Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s DNS, we’ve noticed the “your connection is not private” issue (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). Removing this and using your ISP’s DNS servers can fix DNS issues. Google and Cloudflare aren’t flawless and we have troubles sometimes.
6. Temporarily disable VPN and antivirus software
VPNs and antivirus software can interfere with network settings, prohibiting SSL certificates or connections. Whether you have any running, try closing them or turning off their “SSL Scan” feature to see if it fixes Chrome’s “your connection is not private” problem.
7. Upgrade your system software
As browsers quit supporting TLS 1.3 and the latest cypher suites, older operating systems become obsolete. Certain elements of the most recent SSL certificates will cease to function. In fact, Google Chrome stopped supporting Windows XP back in 2015. If possible, we always advise updating to more recent operating systems, such as Windows 10 or the most recent version of Mac OS X. Ensure that your device’s Windows, Mac, or other operating system is up-to-date.
8. Reboot your computer
This is going to be annoying, but it needs to be said. If none of those work, try powering down and then powering back up your computer and your router. We know that many of you have hundreds of tabs or apps open, which is why this is one of the last choices. And besides restarting a device gets rid of a lot of temporary data and slowdowns.
9. Proceed manually (Unsafe)
We don’t suggest doing this, though, unless you’re sure that nothing will be encrypted if you go ahead. You can skip this step if you’re just going to be entering your login information or credit card information in the following one. We only offer this choice so that we can talk about the full effects of doing this. If you see this error, it’s likely that someone is trying to trick you or steal any information you send to the server. Most of the time, you should close the site right away. Possible website compromises include harmful redirections. Never try to bypass this screen in a public place. If you want to continue, click “Proceed to domain.com” on the error screen. This is occasionally hidden under “Advanced” in browsers. This option won’t be available if the website uses HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security), which implements an HTTP header that never enables non-HTTPS connections.
10. Seek assistant
Are you still getting an error that says “your connection is not private”? Do not be scared to make an effort and seek assistance from others.
Final verdict
If you’re getting a “your connection is not private” message, hopefully, one of the solutions above will help you fix the problem right away. Keep in mind that these are often brought on by an issue with your personal computer’s settings or the website’s security certificate.
