The “your connection is not private” error relates to HTTPS protocol sites. When a website is accessed, the browser sends a request to the server hosting the site. Upon receiving this request, the browser verifies the site’s SSL certificate to ensure it meets privacy standards. If the certificate is invalid, the browser prevents access to the site and displays the privacy error message instead of loading the page. This guide will help you fix this issue using the best methods.
What is the “Your Connection is not Private” Error
Every website should follow certain security protocols. When the browser cannot verify them, you get the “your connection is not private attackers might be trying to steal your information” error message. If you plan to ignore it and move forward, remember that it might risk your privacy.
The error is caused due to the following reasons –
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- The site’s SSL certificate is expired.
- A domain mismatch.
- Configuration errors.
- A compromised server can allow attackers or hackers to interfere with your SSL connections.
These factors may lead to the error. Fortunately, you need not worry, make a connection private using the following fixes.
Is it safe to keep using the website even after the error occurs
NO! It is not safe to keep using the website after the error occurs.
The “your connection is not private” error relates to your privacy online. There can be a lot of demerits of logging on to the website with such errors. Some of the consequences you might face are –
- Theft of private information such as credit card details, contact information, etc.
- Malware attacks.
- Judicial consequences under cyber security crimes, as you overlooked the warning.
These three reasons are more than enough to stay away from such websites or errors. Hence, it is only safe if you know the nature of the link you are opening.
Ways to fix the “your connection is not private” Error on Windows
Considering you have only tried reloading the page and resetting your connection, here are a few things you can do to fix the issue.
Method 1: Reopen the Page
It may sound straightforward, but a good initial step when encountering a “your connection is not private” error is to close, reopen your browser, and reload the page. If the SSL certificate is recently renewed or the browser has a temporary issue, this can help.
Method 2: Click On Proceed Option (Not Recommended)
The next option is not recommended, as implementing it risks security and leaves data unencrypted. If you are okay taking the risk and are using a site where you may enter login credentials or payment information, it’s better to follow the steps below. However, if you proceed, look for a “Proceed to domain.com” link at the bottom of the error screen. In some browsers, this option might be hidden under “Advanced.”
Method 3: Browsing With A Public Wi-Fi
It might seem unusual, but cafes and airport Wi-Fi networks are common places where users encounter this privacy error. This happens because these networks may not use HTTPS for all their services; if they do, it might not be configured appropriately.
You encounter the error when you try to access a secure HTTPS site before accepting the terms on the network’s portal screen. The best way to avoid this is to use a VPN and mask the IP address.
Method 4: Verify The PC Clock
An incorrect system clock on your computer is a frequent cause of the “your connection is not private” error. Browsers use the clock to verify SSL certificates, so if the time is wrong, it can trigger this error. This issue often arises with new computers or laptops, particularly when they first connect to Wi-Fi, as they might not sync automatically after the initial setup. Here’s how to update your computer’s time. Note that this issue can also affect mobile devices.
Method 5: Use Incognito Mode
Incognito or private browsing mode functions like a stealth mode for your browser. It avoids cached data or extensions, making it useful for troubleshooting issues.
Open an incognito window (Ctrl+Shift+N in Chrome, Ctrl+Shift+P in Firefox) and attempt to access the website. If it works, this indicates that an extension or cached data may have caused the problem.
Method 6: Delete Cache And Cookies
Cached data and cookies can build up over time and occasionally disrupt secure connections. To clear them, follow these steps:
For Chrome: Go to Chrome Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data. Choose “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files,” and click “Clear data.”
For Firefox: Go to Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data. Click “Clear Data” and select the appropriate options.
For Edge: Navigate to Settings > Privacy, search, and Services> Clear browsing data. Clear both cookies and cached data.
Once you’ve cleared the data, restart your browser and visit the site again.
Editor’s Tip: Use Advanced System OptimizerSimilar to how cookies and cache can cause problems while browsing the internet, accumulated junk and temporary and unwanted files on your PC can hinder its performance and prevent it from running optimally. To keep your computer in top shape and ensure peak performance, consider using Advanced System Optimizer—a comprehensive PC optimization tool. Here’s what you need to do: Step 1: Download Advanced System Optimizer From the official link.
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Method 7: Clear SSL State
Clearing the SSL state can help you fix the issue in no time. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Press Win + S to open the Search box and type “Internet Options”. Click on the relevant result under the best match result.
Step 2: A new box will open > click the Content tab.
Step 3: Click the Clear SSL State button and then click on the OK button.
Method 8: Modify DNS Servers
Another solution is to change your DNS servers. The “your connection is not private” error has sometimes occurred with Google’s Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). Switching back to your ISP’s default DNS servers can sometimes resolve these issues, as Google and Cloudflare’s DNS don’t always work.
To do this on Windows, go to your network connection properties and select “Obtain DNS server address automatically.” If you’ve configured Google’s or Cloudflare’s DNS on your router, you may need to remove those settings as well.
Method 9: Temporarily Disable VPN and Antivirus
VPNs and antivirus software can sometimes interfere with your network settings, potentially blocking SSL certificates or connections. If you’re encountering the “your connection is not private” error in Chrome, try temporarily disabling your VPN and antivirus software or turning off any “SSL Scan” features they may have. This can help determine if they are causing the issue.
Method 10: Update Browsers
Older browsers can have security vulnerabilities. Keeping your browser updated ensures you receive the latest security patches. Here’s how to update:
For Chrome: Click the three-dot menu > Help > About Google Chrome. The browser will automatically install any available updates.
For Firefox: Click the three-line menu > Help > About Firefox. Update if an update is available.
For Edge: Click the three-dot menu > Help and Feedback> About Microsoft Edge. Make sure it stays up to date.
Conclusion
The “Your connection is not private” warning appears when a website’s security certificate is untrustworthy or secure. This could be due to an expired SSL certificate, a mismatch between the certificate and the website’s domain, incorrect server settings, or a compromised server. To address this issue, check the SSL certificate, ensure the domain matches, correct any configuration errors, and verify that the server is secure. Clearing browser cache and cookies or updating your browser can help resolve the problem.
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