How to Fix “Your Connection to This Site is Not Secure” Error?

One of the common errors you may encounter is the warning “Your connection to this site is not secure.” This message indicates that your browser is having issues loading the webpage securely.

This error can be hard to diagnose, including incorrect date and time settings or SSL misconfigurations. However, there are several methods you can try to resolve the problem.

I’ll tell you how to Fix a connection that is not secure. A cache error occurs on different browsers, so discuss its potential causes and provide practical solutions to fix it. 

Ensuring a secure connection is essential for private server management. For comprehensive guidance on managing your private server’s security settings, check out our article on controlling your private server. Let’s get started.

Why is my website connection insecure?

When your browser displays the “Connection not secure” error, it usually indicates a problem with the website’s SSL certificate. SSL certificates are essential for encrypting data between the browser and the server. Using cloud-based hosting or the best hosting service for WordPress can also significantly improve your site’s security and prevent common SSL errors. Ensuring your WordPress site uses the best hosting service for WordPress can help avoid these issues by providing robust security features and support.

If the SSL certificate is missing, expired, or misconfigured, the connection remains unencrypted, which is why the error appears. Websites without valid security certificates pose a risk, as data transmitted to and from them could be compromised or misused.

The “Connection Not Secure” warning can sometimes be temporary and may resolve itself. You can use the following methods to fix the problem if it doesn’t.

Fixing the “Not Secure” Website Error

How do you fix a connection that is not secure? Use the following steps to secure your connection and avoid the error message:

1. Check the Date and Time

The “Your connection is not secure” error can be caused by the wrong date and time settings. SSL certificates have expiration dates, and the wrong system time can cause the issue.

• Search for “Change date and time.”
• Click “Change” to manually set the time. If it’s not clickable, turn off “Set time automatically.”
• Set the correct date and time, then click “Change.”
• Reload your browser and check for a secure connection.

2. Turn Off Your Antivirus Software

Antivirus programs add an extra layer of security, but sometimes they can interfere with your browser’s built-in security, causing the “Your connection to this site is not secure” error.

• Temporarily turn off your antivirus program to see if it’s the cause of the problem.
• If the website loads properly after turning off the antivirus, go to your antivirus software’s settings and turn off the HTTPS or SSL scanning feature.

Ensuring your website’s secure connection is crucial, especially when dealing with potential cyber threats. For added security and to protect against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, consider using a hosting provider offering DDoS-protected web hosting.

Remember, antivirus protection is essential for your computer’s security, so if you disable the SSL or HTTPS scanning feature, consider using an alternative antivirus program.

3. Disable or Uninstall Adguard

Adguard is a useful ad-blocking tool that can sometimes interfere with your connection, causing an error message to appear.

• Exit your browser and turn off Adguard.
• Wait a few moments, then turn Adguard back on.
• Open your browser again to check if the issue is resolved.

4. Check Your Certificates

• Search for “Internet Options.
• Clear SSL state.

5. Update Your Browser

Old browsers can cause problems, including the “Your connection is not secure” error in Chrome, Opera, & firefox.

• If you’re using Google Chrome, type “chrome://settings/help” or “opera://settings/help” in the address bar and press Enter.
• Wait as Chrome checks for and installs the latest updates.
• After updating, check if the error is resolved.

6. Restart the Router

Your router could be causing the error message.

• Turn off your router and any separate modem you might have.
• Wait a few minutes, then turn the router and modem back on.
• Check if the issue is resolved.

7. Disable the Family Safety Feature

Windows allows you to set up and sync data using your Microsoft account, with an added Family Safety feature that can sometimes interfere with your internet connection.

• Search for your Microsoft Family account and sign in with your Microsoft account.
• Turn off the Family Safety feature by removing the desired account from the family group.

8. Prevent Chrome from Checking SSL Certificates

• Right-click the Chrome shortcut.
• In the “Target” field, add “–ignore-certificate-errors” (without quotes) at the end, ensuring there’s a space before the Text.
• Click “Apply” and “OK.”

9. Bypass the Warning

If you trust the site, proceed:

• Click “Advanced” on the error page.
• Select “Add Exception.”
• Click “Confirm Security Exception.”

10. Check for Malware

Malware can interfere with system settings and trigger the “Not Secure” warning.

• Download and install a malware detection tool like Auslogics Anti-Malware.
• Run a scan to detect and remove any malware.
• See if the issue is fixed.

Ignoring “Not Secure” Website Warnings: Is It Safe?

You might choose to ignore this error and continue using the website if:

• You believe the error is due to an issue on the website.
• You are familiar with and trust the website.
• The website does not require the exchange of sensitive personal data.

However, exercise caution if you have tried all the suggested solutions and the problem persists. The website may have significant security issues. Avoid visiting the site unless necessary. Wait for the site to be fixed. Read more about fixing common WordPress errors in our guide on how to fix the WordPress HTTP error.

Conclusion

“Not Secure” warnings are shared online. It can be caused by various factors, including SSL certificate problems, interference from antivirus software, or incorrect date and time settings. To ensure a secure connection, verify that your computer’s date and time settings are accurate. You can also temporarily turn off your antivirus software or uninstall Adguard.

Other simple fixes include clearing the SSL state, updating your browser, and restarting your network. These steps should fix the error and ensure a secure browsing experience. For further guidance, see our article on how to fix fatal error max execution time exceeded.