Trying to enter a website on Chrome but getting a message saying, “Your connection is not private” is stopping you? This is a warning to prevent users from accessing sites that may try to steal your information. However, it’s not the only reason why.
While your browser may not trust a website’s SSL (Secure Sockets Layers) certificate, it could also mean the website’s certificate has expired or it hasn’t been properly configured. Moreover, you may be seeing these messages more since Chrome’s update to block phishing websites automatically.
If you know a website can be trusted and you need to bypass this warning, there are a few ways to fix the issue.
Follow this guide to help fix the “Your connection is not private” error on Chrome, but be sure to stay safe by using the best antivirus.
“Your connection is not private” error: Quick fixes
Getting past the “Your connection is not private” error is simple, but you can do more to make sure you don’t encounter these problems again. We recommend following each step below.
Entering a suspicious website can be dangerous, so Chrome prompts you to stay away from the website. To keep personal information safe, such as your email, passwords and banking information, make sure to have an antivirus installed.
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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.
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Update your browser
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.
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Add an exception for a certificate
If you’re sure the website you’re trying to visit is safe and you’re not at risk of downloading any malware, you can make an exception for an SSL certificate on Chrome.
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 Site settings and scroll down to select Additional content settings. Choose Insecure content. Next to Allowed to show insecure content, select Add and enter the website you wish to visit without encountering the error.
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Perform a safety check
If you’re accessing a website with the “Your connection is not private” error on Chrome, make sure to keep your browser safe from malicious extensions installed by performing a safety check.
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.
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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 the “Your connection is not private” 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 “Your connection is not private” on Chrome?
There are plenty of reasons why you may see a “Your connection is not private” error on Chrome. You may even see other error messages, including:
– “SSL certificate error”
– “ERR_CERTIFICATE_TRANSPARENCY_REQUIRED”
– “ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID”
– “NET::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
1. Norton 360 🥇From $19.99/year
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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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Malwarebytes’ no-nonsense approach to protecting your devices from the onslaught of malware and viruses is effective for those who need a reliable antivirus that will detect and remove malicious software, especially with its free version. However, while its premium service provides 24/7 real-time detection, conveniently blocks vicious ransomware and shields users from malicious websites, it doesn’t go beyond on the feature front.
That’s no bad thing, as sometimes a user only needs a powerful antivirus to keep them safe from cyber threats. But considering its competitors add a few more security tools, such as data breach monitoring and a firewall, there’s room for improvement.
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It’s the ideal antivirus software for home use, as it takes the hassle out of staying wary of cyber threats lurking around, even if you’re not a tech whizz. What’s more, if you are looking for added precautions, its paid Individual and Family packages still boast great value. Hard to go wrong with this best antivirus.
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Sure, you can find all of these perks with Avast, but if you like a slick, darker user interface that’s easy to navigate, then AVG is for you.
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