Have you ever visited a site that triggers a "your connection is not private" or "your connection is not secure" error message? Maybe you moved on. Or maybe you found yourself interested enough to continue anyway. Either way, understanding what the error means can keep you safer online. Knowing what the risks are and how you can clear up the error proves yet more important too.

Let's take a look.

What does "this connection is not private" mean?

A "your connection is not private" error means that your browser can't determine with certainty that a website has safe encryption protocols in place to protect your device and data. You can bump into this error on any device connected to the internet - a computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Note that the"your connection is not private" error is Google Chrome's phrasing. Other browsers might use "your connection is not secure" or some variation of that as the warning message.

So, what exactly is going on when you see the "this connection is not private" error?

For starters, the error is only a warning. It doesn't mean any of your private info is compromised. A "your connection is not private" error means the website you were trying to visit doesn't have an up-to-date SSL (secure sockets layer) security certificate.

So, what's an SSL? Think of it as a digital certificate that verifies the authenticity of a website. Further, it establishes an encrypted connection between your web browser and the website you're visiting. As you can imagine, an SSL-protected site is vital when it comes to banking, shopping, or sending secure info online.

You can spot an SSL-protected site by an address that begins with HTTPS, with the "S" standing for "secure." Many browsers also drop a little padlock symbol in the address bar to call it out. Some have a button in the bar that you can select to see if the site is protected.

Website owners must maintain the licensing regularly to ensure the site's encryption capabilities are up to date. If a website's SSL certificate is outdated, it means the site owners haven't kept their encryption licensing current, but it doesn't necessarily mean they're up to no good. Even major websites have had momentary lapses that served up the message. 

While it doesn't always mean a website is unsafe to browse, pay attention. Using a site without an SSL connection might make your personal data less secure.

How to fix the "connection is not private" error

If you feel confident that a website or page is safe, despite the warning from your web browser, you can troubleshoot the issue a few ways:

• Refresh the page.Sometimes, the error is only a momentary glitch. Try reloading the page to rule out temporary errors.

• Close the browser and reopen it.Closing and reopening your web browser might also help clear a temporary glitch.

• If you're on public Wi-Fi, think twice.Hackers often exploit public Wi-Fi because their routers are usually not as secure or well-maintained for security. Some public Wi-Fi networks might not support SSL connections altogether. That might result in the error you're seeing.

• Make sure your browser and operating system are up to date.Always keep your critical software and the operating system fully updated. An outdated browser can start getting buggy and can increase the occurrence of this kind of error.

• Check that you have the right website.Hackers and scammers often take advantage of misspellings or alternative URLs to try and snare users looking for trusted sites. Make sure you have the address and the site absolutely right.

• If it's not you, it's them.If you've tried all the troubleshooting techniques above and you still see the error, the problem is likely coming from the site itself. You'll have the option to "proceed to the domain," though we don't recommend it. The bottom line is that you take your chances anytime you ignore an error like this.

How to protect your privacy while online

Personal info like yours is valuable to hackers, so they take every chance they can to get their hands on it. Beyond sticking to visiting secure websites, you have several other ways you can protect yourself online.

• Delete unused browser extensions(and apps) to reduce your risk. The more apps you have, the more exposure you have to exploits and attacks. Moreover, out-of-date apps can have security loopholes in them. If you're not using it, delete it, along with any data you have.

• Delete old accounts that still have your info. As it is with apps and browser extensions, the more you keep, the more exposure you have - in this case, to data breaches that can put your personal info in the hands of a hacker. A service like our Online Account Cleanupcan identify and shut down those old accounts for you.

• Remove your personal info from sketchy data broker sites that sell it to anyone for a price. That includes everyone from advertisers to hackers, scammers, and spammers. Our Personal Data Cleanupscans data broker sites and shows you which ones are selling your personal info - and can help you remove it.

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