{"id":160699,"date":"2024-07-24T05:00:02","date_gmt":"2024-07-24T12:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/?p=160699"},"modified":"2024-08-12T10:15:55","modified_gmt":"2024-08-12T17:15:55","slug":"what-connection-is-not-private-means","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/internet-security\/what-connection-is-not-private-means\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does \u201cConnection is Not Private\u201d Mean?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you ever visited a site that triggers a \u201cyour connection is not private\u201d or \u201cyour connection is not secure\u201d 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What does \u201cthis connection is not private\u201d mean?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

A \u201cyour connection is not private\u201d 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 \u2014 a computer, smartphone, or tablet.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Note that the<\/span> \u201cyour connection is not private\u201d error is Google Chrome\u2019s phrasing. Other browsers might use \u201cyour connection is not secure\u201d or some variation of that as the warning message.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, what exactly is going on when you see the \u201cthis connection is not private\u201d error?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For starters, the error is only a warning. It doesn\u2019t mean any of your private info is compromised. A \u201cyour connection is not private\u201d error means the website you were trying to visit doesn’t have an up-to-date SSL (secure sockets layer) security certificate.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, what\u2019s 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\u2019re visiting. As you can imagine, an SSL-protected site is vital when it comes to banking, shopping, or sending secure info online.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can spot an SSL-protected site by an address that begins with HTTPS, with the \u201cS\u201d standing for \u201csecure.\u201d 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Website owners must maintain the licensing regularly to ensure the site’s encryption capabilities are up to date. If a website\u2019s SSL certificate is outdated, it means the site owners haven’t kept their encryption licensing current, but it doesn\u2019t necessarily mean they’re up to no good. Even major websites have had momentary lapses that served up the message.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to fix the \u201cconnection is not private\u201d error<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n

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:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n