How to Fix NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error on Google Chrome?

If you’re trying to visit the website in Google Chrome and you come across this error message NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID then we would like to inform you that it’s one of those error messages which shouldn’t be taken lightly, as it can become a severe threat. Also, it’s mostly solved by the owner of the website or the manager.

your connection is not private error chrome

What Causes the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID in Google Chrome

Generally, this error message occurs because,

Installed SSL/TLS Certificate is self-signed.
The SSL/TLS Certificate of that website is issued by an untrusted Certificate Authority (CA). Generally, this situation occurs when the certificate is not the CA/B forum member.

Note: Be wary of this error message, as many times it happens that hackers try to impersonate the trusted website. However, the best way to deal with this error message is to ignore the site if you’re a visitor or else contact the website owner and let them know regarding this error message.

How to Fix NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Google Chrome Error?

1. For Website Admin:

If it’s your website that is facing this Google Chrome warning message: NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID, then it must be taken seriously, as it’s an indication that your website’s SSL/TLS certificate is not trusted by the browser.

For instance, everyone has seen in the past how WoSign, Symantec, and StartCom CAs have been distrusted.

So, it’s likely users will also face this same issue, which will ultimately lead to a decline in visitors, which will affect your business’s revenue as well as reputation.

On the other hand, if you’re using a self-signed SSL/TLS certificate for the website just to save money, then it’s sad to say that it’s not a good idea.

It’s better if you buy the SSL/TLS certificate from industries reputed brands like Comodo, RapidSSL, Sectigo, DigiCert who are trusted by all the popular web browsers.

2. For Website Visitors:

Being the website visitor the best way to deal with this error message is to let the website owner or webmaster know about it and ask them to solve it, because:

It’s quite dangerous to visit the website facing such an error.
The owner of the website might not be aware that their site is showing the “NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID” error.

However, if you’re looking to open the website despite of error message being displayed, then below are some of the methods which will be helpful to you:

Firstly, check whether your web browser is updated with the latest version. Because there’s a small possibility that your browser might be outdated and doesn’t support the latest version of SSL/TLS Certificate’s encryption algorithm.

Browser Cookies

Nevertheless, cookies into your browser could also be creating a problem. If that’s the case, follow below methods:

Go to Google Chrome, click the menu from the top right side (three stacked dots.)
Open a new incognito window and visit the website. If the website opens without any difficulty, then there’s an issue with Chrome extension. So, it’s recommended you turn off the extensions.
To deactivate follow below steps:

Click on the top right in the Chrome browser.
Go to More tools and click on Extensions.
Now, turn off the extension one by one.

Firewall or Antivirus Could Be a Crook

There’s a possibility that your installed antivirus software might be sensitive towards SSL errors if the “HTTPS protection” or “HTTPS scanning” feature is on. If your antivirus software or firewall is the reason, then it’s advisable to disable your antivirus program for visiting the website, and once it’s done, you can reactivate it.

Ignore This SSL Warning Message

Option 1:

In the Chrome address bar, type chrome://flags

insecure-origins-treated-as-secure-option

Now locate and enable the Insecure origins treated as a secure option. Though it’s recommended to disable it once you’re done visiting the website.

Option 2:

From your desktop, right-click on Google Chrome icon and select properties, in that go to the tab named Shortcut.

Now, in the target field, type “-ignore-certificate-errors” after the path ends: /chrome.exe.
Press Apply and then OK.
Now, restart your Chrome browser.

Summary

That’s all. If you’ve tried the above steps, then mostly, this error message must have been resolved. Please let us know in the comment section below, whether it worked or not.

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