Browsing the Internet is a fundamental part of our daily lives: we search for information, read the news, manage bank accounts, work, or make purchases and inquiries that involve the processing of sensitive data. security and privacy have become a fundamental aspect and, in that context, many users have come across the dreaded message "The connection is not private" when trying to access a web page from Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, or other browsers.
This security warning may scare many users who are worried about the possible theft of personal data, interception of banking information, or identity theft risks. What exactly does this message mean, why does it appear, and what can we do to browse safely?
Below, we take an in-depth look at the causes and solutions to the "Your connection is not private" error, how it manifests in different browsers, all the reasons behind this message, its variations, and detailed steps, whether you're a user or a website owner, to correct the problem and protect your data. We also include frequently asked questions and additional privacy and cybersecurity tips for safe browsing.
What does the message “The connection is not private” mean?
When you try to enter a web page and the error message appears "The connection is not private" (may also be displayed as "Your connection is not private", "This connection is not private" or "The connection is not secure" depending on the browser), the system is warning you that There is a problem trying to establish a secure, encrypted connection using the HTTPS/SSL protocol between your device and the web server.
In technical terms, your browser has detected a Threat or failure to verify the SSL/TLS security certificate from the website. This means that the data you send could travel unprotected, leaving it exposed to potential man-in-the-middle attacks, hackers, or malware. Browsers automatically block access to prevent your sensitive data, such as passwords or account numbers, from being intercepted.
Why is a secure connection (SSL/HTTPS) important?
The protocol SSL (Secure Socket Layer), and its successor, TLS (Transport Layer Security), are encryption systems that enable secure communication between the browser and the server. When a site works properly with HTTPS, everything you send is encrypted and cannot be read or manipulated by any third party.
The presence of a valid SSL certificate is indicated in the browser's address bar by a lock icon and the address https://. It is a guarantee that:
- The website's identity is verified and is not an impersonation.
- Confidential data travels encrypted and protected from attacks.
- The web is less prone to hacking or takeover.
Without SSL or with an invalid certificate, any data (usernames, passwords, banking information) can be easily intercepted.
Should I be concerned if I see this warning?
You shouldn't panic But you should pay attention and act with caution. The message means the browser has detected a potential problem and is protecting you. In many cases, it's not due to the actual presence of attackers, but it does pose a potential risk. Accessing sites without a secure connection can compromise your data and privacy, so we recommend:
- Do not enter confidential information (passwords, cards, ID, etc.)
- Do not make purchases or payments online while the warning persists.
- Try to identify whether the problem is with the website, your equipment, your connection, or simply a temporary glitch.
What causes the message “The connection is not private”?
The message is usually due to problems with the validation or configuration of the website SSL certificate, but there may be other user-related causes that also trigger the alert. We'll analyze all the possibilities, based on the best sources in the industry.
Causes on the website side
- The SSL certificate has expired: Certificates have an expiration date. If the owner doesn't renew it, the browser warns the user, considering the connection insecure.
- SSL Certificate issued by an untrusted entity: If the certificate was generated by an unknown authority or is not on the browser's trusted list, the system considers it suspicious.
- Certificate configured incorrectly: Installation errors, problems with intermediate certificates, or incomplete trust chains can generate the alert.
- The SSL certificate does not match the domain: When the certificate is issued only for the main domain, but the user accesses a subdomain that is not covered by the same certificate (for example, www.domain.com vs. app.domain.com).
- Self-signed certificate: Many testing or development sites use manually created certificates, which are not recognized as valid by end users.
- Certificate revoked or compromised: Certification authorities can revoke an SSL if fraud or theft is detected.
Causes on the user/device side
- Incorrect device date and time: Browsers validate the validity of certificates based on your computer's date and time. An incorrect configuration causes errors when validating SSL.
- Connecting to an insecure public WiFi network: Many open networks (coffee shops, airports, hotels) do not have security protocols and can block, intercept, or alter encrypted communication.
- Antivirus, firewall, or aggressive security software: Some programs inspect HTTPS traffic for threats, but they may block legitimate certificates or interfere with SSL validation.
- Misconfigured VPNs or proxies: VPNs may use intermediary servers that modify SSL authentication, causing the alert.
- Outdated browser: Older versions of browsers do not recognize some modern encryption algorithms or issuing authorities, displaying the error.
- Corrupt cache, cookies, or SSL status: Data saved in the browser can cause problems with certificate validation.
- Browser extensions or add-ons: Some extensions block or alter HTTPS traffic, displaying the warning.
Most common errors and related codes
- NET :: ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID
- NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID
- ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID
- NET::ERR_CERT_WEAK_SIGNATURE_ALGORITHM
- MOZILLA_PKIX_ERROR_SELF_SIGNED_CERT
- SEC_ERROR_EXPIRED_CERTIFICATE
- SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN
- Warning: Potential security risk ahead
- This connection is not private (Safari)
How does the "Connection is not private" error manifest in each browser?
The message may vary depending on the browser and operating system used. Below is a summary of how this warning appears on the main systems:
- Google Chrome: It displays "Your connection is not private" followed by "Attackers may be trying to steal your information from... (for example, passwords, messages, or credit cards)." This is accompanied by an open lock and the corresponding error code.
- Mozilla Firefox: The warning is “Warning: Potential security risk ahead” and explains that Firefox “detected a problem” with the certificate.
- Microsoft Edge: Similar to Chrome: “Your connection is not private” and a text indicating that attackers might try to steal your information.
- Safari (Mac/iOS): The message reads “This connection is not private” and recommends returning to the previous page.
- Opera: The error is called "Your connection is not private" and indicates possible configuration issues or attacks.
What to do if "The connection is not private" appears? Comprehensive troubleshooting guide
The way you act depends on whether you are the site visitor or owner or administrator of the websiteWe present a complete step-by-step guide to troubleshooting this issue, including advanced solutions and additional precautionary measures.
Solutions for users: how to navigate safely
- Refresh the page
Sometimes the problem is caused by a temporary server failure or during certificate issuance/renewal. Press F5 or the reload icon, or close and reopen your browser. - Check the date and time of your device
A common error is that the system clock is out of adjustment, rendering the certificates invalid. Go to your computer, mobile phone, or tablet settings, enable the "Automatically adjust date and time" option, and enter the correct time zone. Then restart your browser. - Do not use unsecured public WiFi networks for sensitive activities.
Open networks can intercept or alter HTTPS connections. If you're on a public network, try accessing the site from a home network, mobile data, or using a secure, well-configured VPN. - Clear browsing data
Cache, cookies, images, and temporary files can prevent proper SSL validation. Do this through your browser settings (History → Clear browsing data). Select "All period" to ensure everything is cleared. - Try incognito or private mode
Open an incognito/private window to rule out cookies, extensions, or saved sessions. - Temporarily disable your antivirus, firewall, or VPN
Some antivirus or security programs inspect HTTPS traffic, and may block certificates or modify encrypted traffic. If the error disappears after disabling these programs, review their settings and allow access to the site or temporarily disable HTTPS/SSL scanning. Don't forget to re-enable protection afterward. - Disable suspicious browser extensions
Extensions can interfere with certificate loading. Try disabling them and reloading the website. - Update your browser
Always keep your browser version up to date to ensure you have the latest protocols and security patches. If you're using an older version, update from the developer's official website. - Change DNS servers
Some ISPs have DNS settings that can cause conflicts with SSL validation. Try temporarily changing your DNS settings to Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). - Restart the router and the computer
If none of the above works, restart your router and computer to clear any temporary glitches. - Manual access under your responsibility
If you completely trust the site (for example, it's your own website or a well-known site with no payment activity or personal information), you can click "Advanced Options" and then "Login (not secure)." Use this only as a last resort, and never share sensitive information on sites with this warning.
Specific solutions for website owners
- Check the validity of the SSL certificate
Access your hosting control panel and check if the certificate is installed correctly and valid. If it has expired, you must renew it or install a new one. If you use services like Let's Encrypt, make sure automatic renewal is active and correct. - Verify that the certificate covers all necessary subdomains
Simple certificates only cover the main domain. If you have subdomains, install a Wildcard certificate (*.mydomain.com) or individual ones for each one. - Install the intermediate certificate chain
Some browsers require the server to include intermediate certificates (chain of trust) that link your site to the certificate authority. Check with your hosting provider to ensure these are installed correctly. - Avoid self-signed certificates in production environments
Browsers only recognize certificates issued by recognized CAs as secure. If you generated your own certificate, the error will appear for all users. - Check the server configuration
Make sure your server (Apache, Nginx, IIS, etc.) is configured to force HTTPS on all pages and that there are no errors in the configuration files. - Fixes issues with the certificate's common name (CN)
The CN must exactly match the domain for which it is being requested. If the certificate is issued for mydomain.com and you access www.mydomain.com, the error may occur. - Use testing tools like Qualys SSL Labs
Enter your domain in SSL Labs to check the validity, chain of trust and details of the installed certificate. - Contact your hosting provider or CA
If you can't resolve the issue, contact your hosting provider's technical support or the entity that issued the SSL certificate.
Advanced solutions for developers and experienced users
- Temporarily ignore certificate errors (for testing only): In Chrome, you can modify the shortcut target line and add --ignore-certificate-errors to avoid warnings during local testing. You can also enable "Allow invalid certificates for resources loaded from localhost" in chrome: // flags /. Do not use in production.
- Clear SSL state in Windows: In Windows, go to Internet Options → Content tab → “Clear SSL State” to remove outdated records.
- Edit the hosts file with caution: Make sure there are no incorrect entries that redirect domains and cause certificate errors.
Frequently Asked Questions about the "Connection is not private" error
- Why does the error appear only on some devices or networks?
This is usually due to differences in date/time settings, installed security software, a different cache, outdated browsers, or insecure networks. Try another computer or network. - Is my security compromised if I see this message?
The message is just a warning. Your security will only be compromised if you ignore the warning and share information on a truly unsafe site. - Should I be worried if the error appears on my own website?
Yes, since most users will leave the page and Google may penalize your rankings. Urgently check the status of your SSL certificate and install a valid one. - Can antivirus block legitimate secure connections?
Yes. Temporarily disable HTTPS scanning on your antivirus and see if the error disappears. If so, add the site to the exceptions list. - What to do if updating your browser doesn't solve the problem?
Change your browser, clear your cache, and make sure your operating system is up to date as well. - Is it always necessary to pay for an SSL certificate?
No, there are free certificates available for most personal websites and small businesses, such as those offered by Let's Encrypt or some hosting providers. - How long does it take to fix this error?
It depends on the cause. If it's a temporary or cache issue, simply refresh the page. If it's an SSL certificate issue, installing or renewing the certificate will resolve the issue.
Extra security and privacy tips to avoid the mistake in the future
- Use strong passwords and password managers.
- Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) on your web accounts.
- Keep Always keep your operating system, browser and antivirus updated.
- Uninstall unnecessary extensions and applications that could compromise security.
- Avoid providing personal information on websites that don't have an HTTPS lock or that display an insecure connection warning.
- If you are a website owner, activate automatic renewal of SSL certificates and monitors expiration alerts.
- Perform regular security audits on your devices.
The "Your connection is not private" warning is one of the most important measures modern browsers use to protect users from the risks of data theft, malware, and cyberattacks. Understanding its causes and knowing how to respond not only allows you to continue browsing without problems, but also makes you a more aware and protected user. Keep your devices updated, be wary of warnings, review the security of the sites you visit, and, if in doubt, always prioritize your privacy and the protection of your personal information.
