Trying to get past an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate error can be a nuisance, and many Google Chrome users encounter them daily. Sometimes, it protects you from dodgy sites stealing personal information. Other times, it’s something that can be fixed.
An SSL connection error stops you from accessing a website with HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). Without a valid SSL certificate, there’s a chance that cybercriminals can swipe your data. These errors are there for a reason, but encountering one of these errors could also mean a certificate is out of date, your device can’t validate the SSL certificate, or your computer’s local clock is wrong.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to bypass this error and get you access to the website.
This guide will help you fix SSL certificate errors on Chrome. Some sites can be risky, so it’s best to install one of the
SSL Certificate Errors on Chrome: Quick fixes
There are various types of SSL certificate errors. Chrome will often bring up a “Your connection is not private” message with a specific error, such as “ERR_CERTIFICATE_TRANSPARENCY_REQUIRED” or “ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID.”
Whatever the cause, we recommend trying the steps below to fix the issue. However, be sure to use a reliable antivirus scanner to keep your information safe, such as your email, passwords and banking information.
Update your browser
First and foremost, make sure you update Chrome.
Keeping your browser up to date gives you access to new features and bolsters security, but it can also help validate certificates if an older version of the browser can’t get past the error.
To update Chrome or check if the browser is up to date, click the three dots at the top-right corner of your Chrome browser. Select Settings.
Select About Chrome. If a new version is available, click Check for updates. When it’s finished, select Relaunch. Make sure to save your work and other activities, as this will close all tabs and windows currently open.
Sync your system clock
An SSL certificate may use your device’s internal clock for it to be validated. If your time is wrong, set to the wrong time zone or failed to synchronise, then this could be causing the SSL connection error.
To fix this, you’ll need to head into your system clock’s settings. Right-click the system clock on your System Tray and select Adjust date and time. In Time zone, see if your time is set to the correct time zone. You can click the drop-down menu to adjust the location. If this isn’t available, turn off Set the time zone automatically.
To ensure your Windows time stays accurate, turn on Set the time automatically and Adjust for daylight saving time automatically. Next, click Sync now to ensure Windows is current with its time.
Clear your browser cache and cookies
If a website’s SSL certificate has changed since the last time you visited, your Chrome’s cookies and cache could prevent you from visiting the site with the SSL error. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to clear your browser cache and cookies.
To do this, click the three dots at the top-right corner of your Chrome browser. Select Settings.
Select Privacy and security in the left-hand panel. Click on Clear browsing data and then Advanced. Choose the time range you wish to clear browser data and check the Cookies and other side data and Cached images and files boxes. Then select Clear data.
Clear the SSL state
If you have tried to access a site previously and it will no longer let you access it due to an SSL certificate error, your system may have stored the certificate locally and is trying to validate this version. To help clear up the issue, you should clear your device’s SSL state.
In the search field on the taskbar, search for Internet Options and click on it. In the Internet Properties window that pops up, click on the Content tab. Under Certificates, click on Clear SSL state.
Now, when accessing the website with the error, Chrome will re-validate the SLL certificate, which may solve the problem.
Perform a safety check
If you’re accessing a website with the SSL certificate error on Chrome, make sure to keep your browser safe from malicious extensions installed by performing a safety check. After all, it could be a dodgy website trying to steal your information.
Back in Settings, select Privacy and security in the left-hand panel. Under Safety check, click Check now (or the arrow to perform it again).
If Chrome finds any issues, you’ll be able to tap on the option and follow the instructions to see how to handle the it. For those who don’t want to give malware hiding on web pages any chances, you can also turn on Advanced protection.
In Privacy and security, click on Safe Browsing under Safety Check or Security under Privacy and security. Select Enhanced protection to turn it on.
Use antivirus software to detect and stop malware
It’s important to keep your sensitive information and device safe from all threats, including viruses and malware, especially if you’re visiting sites with an SSL connection error on Chrome. That’s when one of the best antivirus software like Norton 360 (from $19.99/year) will keep you safe from any malicious software, like ransomware, adware, spyware, phishing and more.
That’s not all; antivirus software can provide extra features like VPNs, cloud storage, PC boosters, and more. Norton 360 has all these features and extra security tools that can backup your data, prevent online identity theft and stop malware.
What’s more, Norton 360 comes with active monitoring features to scan all the browser-related activities and block malicious websites. It will help detect and notify you about any malicious browser activity and stop it.
Check out our Norton 360 review and Norton 360 Platinum review to see which antivirus package suits you best.
What is an SSL Certificate Error?
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate, also known as a public key certificate or identity certificate, that is used to prove and authenticate a website. It validates a website and allows it to use an encrypted connection using HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), a secure version of HTTP for transmitting web pages.
An error occurs when an SSL certificate can’t be validated. This error will prevent you from accessing the website or display a warning about the risks of entering the website, as threat actors can steal data used on the site.
These errors can be caused by server issues or simple problems you can fix on your device. Despite the error message, you may be able to proceed to the site. Still, it’s a significant risk if you don’t have the proper protection against malicious activity, such as phishing attacks or infostealer malware.
What causes an SSL Certificate Error on Chrome?
There are plenty of reasons why you may see an SSL certificate error on Chrome. You will see an error message like the one seen below. You may even see other error messages, including:
– “SSL certificate error”
– “ERR_CERTIFICATE_TRANSPARENCY_REQUIRED”
– “ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID”
– “ERR_CERT_REVOKED”
– “ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID”
The error will appear if a website’s certificate has expired, is not trusted by Chrome or has not been correctly configured.
The biggest cause for concern is when Chrome states that your information is at risk. As the error message states, “Attacks might be trying to steal your information from [website URL] (for example, password, messages, or credit cards).”
These dodgy websites could use phishing tactics to swipe your valuable data. It’s important to ensure you have the right protection on your device to stop these types of phishing attacks in their tracks using a trustworthy antivirus scanner.
Can any antivirus software stop unusual network port activity?
The best antivirus software will stop malware in its tracks. Not all antivirus software is equal, as some don’t have high malware detection and protection rates or have accredited lab scores to back them up.
However, many high-standard AV protections offer near-perfect scores when detecting and protecting against malware, meaning even complex malicious software found on dodgy websites can’t go unnoticed.
Services, including Norton 360 (from $19.99/year) and Bitdefender (from $19.99/year), include monitoring features to help uncover suspicious activity early and offer the tools to fight off cyberattacks.
These services have protection tools that block malicious browser activity, links and attachments. To make sure your device is ready to identify and block malware damaging your system, set yourself up with an antivirus.
Best antivirus to detect and prevent malware
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“Norton” and “antivirus” are synonymous these days, as the well-established cybersecurity brand has successfully fought against malware, viruses and nasty software threats since 1990.
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Norton’s certainty of its antivirus software’s capabilities is clearly defined by the brand’s 100% Virus Protection Promise. If a device protected by Norton 360 can’t get rid of a virus, the user receives their money back. It’s a big claim, but unquestionably, no one should expect to get that refund.
If you have the money for it, you can also check out the premium Norton 360 Platinum package for even more online protection, including from identity theft. Without a doubt one of the best antivirus to get.
Read our full Norton 360 review
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