How to fix the “Your Connection is Not Private” error

One of the most common issues when accessing websites in a browser is the “Your Connection is Not Private" error, which appears when you attempt to visit a webpage. The appearance of this warning can vary depending on the browser you use.

Google Chrome:

Safari:

Let's explore what the “Your Connection is Not Private” error signifies, including its common causes and solutions.

The meaning of the "Your Connection is Not Private" error

All browsers aim to adhere to security and data privacy standards, and part of their role is to shield users from potential threats on web pages such as malware, phishing attacks, and personal information theft. With this in mind, if a browser cannot establish a secure connection to a site, it displays the “Your Connection is Not Private” error. This error primarily serves to alert the user to potential threats, offering a choice: return to safety or proceed at risk.

Additionally, warnings about unsafe sites help browsers maintain user trust and enhance user awareness of online dangers. Next, we will discuss the specific scenarios in which a browser deems it necessary to alert the user about these risks.

Reasons for the “Your Connection is Not Private” error

Often, a security error in the browser stems from the website itself and is not influenced by the user. However, there are also instances where settings on the user's PC or browser may cause a connection issue. A warning that your connection to a site is not secure typically occurs in the following scenarios:

SSL certificate issues

The “Your Connection is Not Private” error specifically relates to sites using the HTTPS protocol, which encrypts data transmitted during the connection between a user’s browser and the server. Web resources implement HTTPS by installing SSL/TLS certificates on their servers. The most frequent cause of this error is the certificate failing to pass browser verification. This occurs when a user visits a website, prompting the browser to send a request to the site's server to verify the certificate's presence, validity period, authenticity, and whether it matches the domain.

The browser may suspect a site of being fraudulent if certain issues arise during the verification process:

• Invalidity of a certificate: this can occur if the certificate has expired or has been revoked, potentially due to the site owner forgetting to renew it, or more serious issues like the certificate being compromised. The error code is ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID.
• Self-signed certificate: if a certificate hasn't been verified by a third-party certificate authority, this issue can trigger an alert. The error code is ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID.
• Mismatched domain name: if the domain name on the certificate does not match the domain of the site you're trying to connect to, this can cause an error. This typically happens if the certificate is intended for a different site or doesn't include SAN (Subject Alternative Name) for alternative domain options. The error code is ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID.
• Chain of trust issues: if there are inconsistencies or errors in the chain of trust, which is a hierarchical structure of SSL/TLS certificates that includes the root certificate (the most trusted), intermediate certificates, and the server's certificate, it may lead to this error. The error code is ERR_CERTIFICATE_TRANSPARENCY_REQUIRED.
• SSL/TLS settings problems on the server: issues like outdated or weak ciphers can also prompt this error. The error code is ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR.

In each scenario, the browser restricts access to the site as it cannot guarantee the safety of user data.

Connection via an unsecured network

The “Your Connection is Not Private” error can also appear when a user connects through an open or untrusted Wi-Fi network. This warning from the browser indicates that the network may have vulnerabilities, exposing the user's traffic to potential interception or other forms of attack.

Frequently, this error manifests when attempting to access a website that includes fields for entering personal information, passwords, or payment details, as these activities particularly require secure connections to protect data from being compromised.

DNS errors

The Domain Name System (DNS) is utilized by browsers to convert a site's domain name into its corresponding IP address. If there's an issue with the DNS configuration or if accessing the DNS server is problematic, the browser may fail to resolve the domain name, leading to the “Your Connection is Not Private” error.

Additionally, this problem can occur due to DNS server blockages by Internet providers or system administrators. If DNS requests for a specific site are blocked or redirected, this may cause the domain name to be incorrectly resolved, triggering the error. Reasons for such blockages include:

• Compliance with laws that restrict access to certain websites or services;
• Efforts to combat harmful content, viral content, or illegal activities;
• Filtering of unwanted or adult content;
• Adherence to an organization's policy within corporate networks.

In rare instances, attackers may intercept user traffic, redirect it to fraudulent sites, or alter DNS responses. Such actions can lead the browser to receive invalid or fake certificates, causing an access error to appear.

Incorrect date and time settings

The “Your Connection is Not Private” error can also be triggered by incorrect date and time settings on the user's device. This issue arises because every SSL/TLS certificate has a specific validity period. If the device's date and time are set to a future date after the certificate's expiration, or to a past date before the certificate was issued, the browser may deem the certificate invalid. This misalignment causes the browser to flag the connection as unsecured.

Browser cache and cookies

Browser cache settings and cookies can indirectly lead to the “Your Connection is Not Private” error under several circumstances:

• The user's browser may store invalid or outdated data from websites, leading to incorrect or expired security information being used during a session;
• If cookies containing confidential information are intercepted or tampered with, this can compromise the security of the connection;
• Cookies used by a site to authenticate a user might become corrupted, disrupting secure login and communication with the site;
• Sometimes, the security settings for cookies and the browser itself can conflict, which hampers the establishment of a secure connection.

These issues prevent the browser from establishing a secure connection, resulting in an Internet connection error message.

VPN and antivirus software

Installing and using VPNs to circumvent browser restrictions, as well as activating antivirus programs, can trigger the “Your Connection is Not Private” error for several reasons:

• The software may use its own certificates to encrypt traffic or authenticate users, which might not be recognized as trusted by the user’s browser or operating system;
• Programs may block or alter DNS requests for certain sites, preventing the browser from resolving the domain name to an IP address;
• VPNs or antivirus software might perform SSL/TLS inspection to enhance security and strengthen traffic control. However, errors can occur during this process, leading to security warnings;
• The VPN service might change the device’s network settings, leading to conflicts in the browser, including incorrect processing of network requests.

When connecting via a VPN or using antivirus software, these issues may occur more frequently than with a direct connection and might also affect sites that previously posed no access problems.

How to fix the “Your Connection is Not Private” error

There are several safe methods for addressing the “Your Connection is Not Private” error, and their effectiveness depends on the underlying cause of the problem. For temporary issues, general approaches might resolve the error:

• Reload the page;
• Use a different browser;
• Access the site using a different network;
• Disable your antivirus or VPN and try to access the site again.

However, often the issue requires more specific solutions, which will be discussed in further detail below.

Clearing browser cache and cookies

Clearing the cache and cookies can help resolve the issue if it's caused by outdated or corrupted cached data.

Instructions on how to clear cache and cookies in Google Chrome:

1. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of your browser to access settings.

   

   

2. Navigate to the “Privacy and security” section.

   

3. In the “Clear history” window, choose the time range for the data you want to delete, select the appropriate checkboxes for cookies, cached images, and files, and then click “Delete data”.

   

Tutorial on clearing cache and cookies in Opera Browser:

1. Click on the gear icon in the left panel of your browser to access the settings, then navigate to the security section.

   

   

2. Select the “Clear browsing data” category.

   

3. Choose the time range from which you want to delete data, and click the “Clear data” button.

   

Step-by-step guide to clearing cache and cookies in Mozilla Firefox:

1. Click on the three bars in the upper right corner to open the main menu of the browser. Locate the “History” section.

   

2. Navigate to the “Clear recent history” subsection.

   

3. Mark the checkboxes for cache and cookies, choose the time range for the data you want to delete, and click the “Clear Now” button.

   

Deleting cache and cookies in Safari Browser:

1. Open the browser, go to the main menu under “Safari”, and select “Clear history”.

   

2. In the popup window, choose the period for which you want to delete data, then click the “Clear history” button.

   

Alternatively, users can try accessing the site in incognito mode. If the connection is successful, it's likely an issue with the cache and cookies, and clearing them should resolve the access problem.

Check the date and time settings on your device

If the date, time, or time zone on your PC are set incorrectly, follow these instructions to correct them.

Instructions for Windows OS:

1. Use the search bar on your PC to locate the date and time settings.

   

2. In the settings window, manually adjust the date and time, and ensure the correct time zone is selected.

   

3. Restart your browser and attempt to open the site again.

Instructions for macOS:

1. Navigate to the Apple menu and select “System Preferences”.

   

2. Locate the “Date & Time” section within the settings menu.

   

3. In the window that appears, adjust the date and time in the first tab. In the second tab, ensure the time zone is set correctly.

   

4. Once done, refresh the page where the “Your Connection is Not Private” error appeared.

Using a proxy server

If you encounter the problem while on an unsecured network, it's recommended to avoid submitting personal information, entering passwords, or making payments. One way to fix the “Your Connection is Not Private” error is by using a proxy server. A proxy acts as an intermediary between your computer and the server you're trying to reach, routing traffic and encrypting your real IP to ensure anonymity online.

For a secure and reliable connection, consider using anonymous private proxies. These can be configured in any browser with the help of the Proxifier program.

Setting up a proxy server for browser use

1. Open Proxifier and navigate to the “Profile” section. From there, choose “Proxy Servers”.

   

2. In the new window, click the add button to create a new proxy server.

   

3. Enter the IP address and port of your proxy in the designated fields. From the protocol drop-down list, select HTTPS.

   

4. In the authentication section, check the “Enable” box and input the proxy username and password. Click on the “Check” button to test if the proxy connection is successful.

   

5. If the test is successful, click “OK” to save the settings.

   

6. The program may prompt you to use the configured proxy by default. Select “No” and return to the main menu.

   

7. Go back to the “Profile” section and select “Proxification Rules”.

   

8. To specify that the proxy should only work with a particular browser, click “Add”.

   

9. Name the rule after your browser and click the “Browse” button to locate the browser’s .exe file on your computer.

   

10. For instance, if setting up for Google Chrome, once the .exe file is selected, go to the “Action” field at the bottom, choose the newly configured proxy, and click “OK”.

    

This setup ensures that when you access the internet through Google Chrome, all your traffic will be encrypted, helping you bypass the “Your Connection is Not Private” error.

Adjusting DNS settings

If you're experiencing connection issues that stem from DNS errors, adjusting the DNS settings on your device may help. DNS-related errors, such as:

• DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
• DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG

Using reliable public DNS servers can often resolve these issues. Here’s how you can set them up.

For Windows OS:

1. Right-click on the network connection icon in the taskbar and select “Open Network and Internet Settings”.

   

2. In the window that opens, click on “Change adapter options”.

   

3. Right-click on the connection you are using and choose “Properties”.

   

4. Scroll to “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on the “Properties” button.

   

5. Select the option “Use the following DNS server addresses”. Input the DNS addresses of a reliable public DNS server, such as Google's Public DNS. Confirm your changes by clicking “OK”.

   

Once you've made these adjustments, attempt to log into the website again.

For MacOS:

1. Open the Apple menu and select “System Preferences”.

   

2. In the System Preferences window, find and click on “Network” under the “Internet & Wireless” section.

   

3. Choose the network you are currently connected to from the list and then click on the “Advanced” button.

   

4. Navigate to the “DNS” tab in the next window. Here, use the “+” and “-” buttons to remove old DNS addresses and add new ones.

   

After updating the DNS settings, confirm your changes, close the settings, and try accessing the website again to see if the error has been resolved.

Check Windows firewall settings

If you encounter the “Your Connection is Not Private” error, it could be due to Windows Firewall blocking the website. This might happen after changes made by antivirus software or other security settings. To check if the firewall is restricting your access and to ensure your browser is allowed through, you can follow these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel, and navigate to the “System and Security” section.

   

2. Click on “Windows Defender Firewall”, and then select “Allow an app through Windows Firewall” from the options.

   

3. In the window that appears, check if your browser is listed under allowed applications.

   

4. If it's not there, click on “Change settings” to enable modifications (you may need administrative privileges for this). Then, select “Allow another app”.

   

5. Use the “Browse” button in the new window to find and select your browser’s application file on your computer. After selecting, click “Add” to include it in the list of allowed apps.

   

With these changes, the firewall should permit traffic associated with your browser, potentially resolving access issues to websites.

Why you shouldn't Ignore the “Your Connection is Not Private” error

It's generally not advisable to disregard the “Your Connection is Not Private" warning and continue browsing the site, especially if you are familiar with the web resource or have accessed it previously. This caution is particularly crucial when planning financial transactions or when entering confidential information on the site.

The “Your Connection is Not Private” error typically stems from security issues, such as an invalid SSL/TLS certificate or encryption problems. The specific cause of these issues can vary—it might be as severe as an attempt to intercept user traffic or as simple as the site owner forgetting to renew the certificate.

If you encounter this error, it's wise to attempt to resolve it using safe and recommended methods that do not compromise the security of your connection. These popular solutions address the root causes of the problem effectively.