What is “Your Connection is Not Private” Error? How to fix it?

When you visit a website by entering a domain name in your browser sometimes it shows a “Your Connection is Not Private” error. The “Your Connection is Not Private” error, commonly encountered in web browsers, can be a frustrating experience. This error message indicates that the browser has identified a potential security issue with the website you’re trying to access.

In this post, we will discuss the “Your Connection is not Private” error. If your website encountered this kind of issue, what steps should be followed so you can fix the “Your Connection is not Private” issue

What is Your Connection is not a Private error

Before going into troubleshooting methods, it’s essential to understand the reasons for this error. The primary problem is contained in the website’s SSL certificate, which acts as a digital certificate, validating the website’s identity and enabling a secure website encrypted connection. When the browser encounters an issue with the SSL certificate, it triggers the “Your Connection is Not Private” error. Here are other reasons why it shows you an error:

• Expired or Invalid SSL Certificate
• Insecure Network Connection
• Outdated browser Issues such as time and date set incorrectly
• Antivirus Software Interference

The above problems indicate the issues detected on the website. Here the image shows you what your website looks like in different browsers:

Google Chrome

Google Chrome will show the following image when you try visiting an insecure website.

Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox will show the following image when you try visiting an insecure website.

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge will show the following image when you try visiting an insecure website.

One common thing you notice in an image is that NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID which is similar to “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID” and it is also related to the “Your Connection is Not Private” error in which your website fails to load. Now let’s move to how to fix the “Your Connection is Not Private” issue

How to Fix Your Connection is Not Private error

Here are some strategies that can solve the “Your Connection is Not Private” error issue:

1. Reload the Page: A simple solution that often works is to reload the webpage. Sometimes, temporary glitches or unstable internet connections can cause the error. Reloading the page may refresh the connection and resolve the issue.
2. Check Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure you have a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection. A weak signal or network can disrupt the secure connection, prompting the error. Try moving closer to your router or switching to a different network.
3. Update Browser and Extensions: Update your web browser to the latest version and disable any unnecessary extensions. Outdated browsers or troublesome extensions can interfere with SSL certificate verification.
4. Check SSL Certificate Validity: If you have technical expertise, you can verify the validity of the website’s SSL certificate using online tools. This can help determine if the certificate is indeed expired or invalid.
5. Contact Website Owner: If the error persists, contact the website owner or administrator. They may be unaware of the issue or need to address problems with their SSL certificate or server configuration.

Why it is important

• Avoid Sensitive Information Entry: When encountering the “Your Connection is not Private” error, stop entering any sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card details, on the website.
• Proceed with Caution: If you must proceed with accessing the website, consider using a different browser or device to isolate any potential browser-specific issues.
• Beware of Phishing Attempts: Be wary of phishing attempts that may exploit the security concerns raised by the error.

Conclusion

The “Your Connection is not Private” error serves as a safeguard, alerting you to security risks when accessing websites. By understanding the causes of the error and following the recommended strategies, you can effectively resolve the issue and protect your online privacy.