Fix the "Your Connection Is Not Private" Error
That red warning screen doesn't always mean the site is dangerous. Here's how to tell the difference and fix it when it's on your end.
On this page
You click a link and instead of the page you expected, you see a red screen saying "Your connection is not private" (Chrome/Edge) or "Warning: Potential Security Risk Ahead" (Firefox). It's alarming, but it doesn't automatically mean the site is malicious.
What causes this error?
Every secure website (HTTPS) uses a certificate to prove its identity. This error appears when your browser can't verify that certificate. Common reasons include:
- Your computer's date and time is wrong
- The website's certificate has genuinely expired
- You're on a public Wi-Fi network intercepting your traffic
- Antivirus software is scanning HTTPS traffic and using its own certificate
Fix 1: Check your date and time
This is the most common culprit. If your system clock is off by even a day, certificates appear invalid.
- On Windows: right-click the clock in the taskbar and choose Adjust date/time. Turn on Set time automatically.
- On Mac: go to System Settings > General > Date & Time and enable Set time and date automatically.
Fix 2: Try a different network
If you're on public Wi-Fi at a café or hotel, switch to your phone's mobile data or a trusted home connection. Many public hotspots use HTTPS inspection, which triggers this warning.
Fix 3: Clear your browser's cache
A cached bad certificate can keep triggering the error even after a site is fixed. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Command + Shift + Delete (Mac), select Cached images and files, and clear.
Fix 4: Temporarily disable HTTPS scanning in antivirus
Security suites like Avast, Kaspersky, and ESET sometimes intercept HTTPS traffic with their own certificate. Look in your antivirus settings for "HTTPS scanning" or "Web Shield" and temporarily disable it to test.
When to actually stay away
If the error code says NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID or the domain name in the certificate doesn't match the site you're visiting, don't proceed — especially on a banking or shopping site. The warning is doing its job.
Still seeing the error? Ask us and include the full error code shown on the page.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to click "Advanced" and proceed anyway?
Only if you understand why the warning appeared and trust the site. For a site you run yourself (like a local development server), it's fine. For a bank, shop, or any site you didn't set up yourself, do not proceed — your login credentials or card details could be exposed.
The error only happens in Chrome, not Firefox. Why?
Chrome and Edge use Windows' built-in certificate store, while Firefox maintains its own. If an antivirus tool has added a certificate to Windows' store, Chrome trusts it but Firefox doesn't — or vice versa. This helps narrow down whether the issue is with a security program.
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