What is HTTPS Not Secure and how to fix it

Have you ever encountered the “HTTPS Not Secure” message while browsing a website? This warning is shown in the search bar. When you visit a website with a valid SSL/TLS certificate, your browser displays a padlock icon on the left side of your domain name and the URL starts with “HTTPS,” indicating a secure connection. However, if a website doesn’t have a valid certificate or other issues are present, your browser might display the “HTTPS Not Secure” warning.

In this post, we will discuss what is “HTTPS Not Secure” message is and how to fix this issue. This article discusses the meaning of this message, its causes, and the steps you can take to address it.

What is HTTPS Not Secure

HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It’s a protocol that uses Transport Layer Security (TLS) or its predecessor, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), to encrypt communication between your browser and a website. This encryption ensures data confidentiality and integrity, preventing unauthorized access to your sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card details, or personal messages.

The image below shows what the search bar looks like when you visit a “HTTPS Not Secure” website.

Sometimes the website page also shows Your Connection is Not Private which can be a frustrating experience. It’s like the internet’s warning you that the website you’re trying to visit might not be trustworthy. This website might try to steal your stuff, like your passwords or personal information.

Here are some common causes that can be highlighted of the “HTTPS Not Secure” issue:

• Missing SSL/TLS certificate: This is the most common cause. The website owner hasn’t installed an SSL/TLS certificate on their server.
• Expired SSL/TLS certificate: The certificate has reached its expiration date and needs to be renewed.
• Invalid SSL/TLS certificate: The certificate is not properly configured or issued by a trusted certificate authority. The website page encountered the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error
• Compatibility issue: The website uses both secure (HTTPS) and insecure (HTTP) resources, causing compatibility issues.

Seeing “HTTPS Not Secure” means the website you’re on isn’t safe. It’s like talking in the open where anyone can listen. Think twice before entering any secrets, like passwords or bank info, on such websites. Look for a padlock or “HTTPS” in the address bar for safe websites.

How to fix HTTPS Not Secure

There are several ways to fix the “HTTPS Not Secure” error, depending on the cause.

For website owners:

1. Install an SSL/TLS certificate is an important thing that can be obtained from a certificate authority (CA) or through your web hosting provider.
2. Make sure to renew your certificate before it expires.
3. Fixing any errors or warnings related to your SSL/TLS certificate can be done by checking the configuration and ensuring it adheres to industry standards.
4. Ensure all content on your website is served over HTTPS which includes images, scripts, and other resources.

For website visitors:

1. If the website is not legit, avoid entering any sensitive information
2. Manually change the “HTTP” to “HTTPS” in the address bar.
3. Report the issue to the website owner to know about the security warning and encourage them to fix it.
4. Choose a browser known for its strong security features, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
5. Install a security extension that can help you identify and avoid insecure websites.

Advantages of HTTPS

Here are some of the advantages of using HTTPS over HTTP:

• Increased security: HTTPS encrypts data in transit, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept and steal sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data.
• Improved SEO: Google and other search engines give preference to websites that use HTTPS. This means that websites that use HTTPS are more likely to rank higher in search results.
• Increased trust: Users are more likely to trust websites that use HTTPS, as it indicates that the website is taking steps to protect their privacy and security.

Safety Precautions for website owners

If you are a website owner, you should take safety precautions on “HTTPS Not Secure” as follows:

1. Install an SSL/TLS certificate on your website. This can be obtained from a certificate authority (CA) or through your web hosting provider.
2. Make sure to renew your certificate before it expires.
3. Fix any errors or warnings related to your certificate.
4. Make sure all content on your website is served over HTTPS.

Safety Precautions for visitors

If you are a visitor to websites, you should take safety precautions on “HTTPS Not Secure” as follows:

1. Look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar when visiting websites. This indicates a secure connection.
2. Check the website address for any typos or suspicious characters.
3. Avoid entering sensitive information on websites with the “HTTPS Not Secure” warning.
4. Keep your web browser and operating system updated to the latest versions.

Conclusion

Remember, your online security is the most important thing. When you encounter the “HTTPS Not Secure” warning, take immediate action to investigate and resolve the issue. By following the steps outlined above, you can protect your sensitive information and ensure a safer online experience.