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How To Fix Net::err_cert_authority_invalid

10 min read Oct 11, 2024
How To Fix Net::err_cert_authority_invalid

How to Fix net::err_cert_authority_invalid Error: A Comprehensive Guide

The net::err_cert_authority_invalid error in your browser indicates a problem with the website's security certificate. This error occurs when your browser cannot verify the website's authenticity using a trusted certificate authority (CA). This means the website you're trying to access might not be legitimate, potentially exposing your data to security risks.

While this error might seem daunting, it's typically a straightforward issue to resolve. Here's a step-by-step guide to fix the net::err_cert_authority_invalid error:

Understanding the Error:

The net::err_cert_authority_invalid error essentially means your browser is unable to trust the website's security certificate. This could be due to several factors:

  • Expired Certificate: The website's security certificate has expired.
  • Untrusted Certificate: The certificate isn't issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).
  • Incorrect Date and Time: Your system's date and time are incorrect, impacting the verification process.
  • Corrupted Browser Cache: Your browser cache might be interfering with the certificate verification process.
  • Outdated Browser: An outdated browser might not be able to properly validate the certificate.
  • Network Issues: A problem with your internet connection might be causing the error.

Troubleshooting Steps:

Let's dive into the solutions for resolving this error:

1. Verify the Date and Time on Your System:

  • Windows:
    • Go to Settings > Time & language > Date & time.
    • Ensure the date and time are correct. If not, adjust them accordingly.
  • MacOS:
    • Click on the Apple Menu > System Preferences > Date & Time.
    • Verify the date and time, adjust if needed.
  • Linux:
    • Open a terminal and run the command: sudo date -s "YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS", replacing the date and time with the correct values.

2. Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies:

  • Chrome:
    • Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.
    • Select "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files".
    • Click "Clear data".
  • Firefox:
    • Go to History > Clear Recent History.
    • Select "Cookies", "Cache", and "Active Logins".
    • Click "Clear Now".
  • Safari:
    • Go to Safari > Preferences > Privacy.
    • Click "Manage Website Data".
    • Select "Remove All".
  • Edge:
    • Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data.
    • Select "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files".
    • Click "Clear now".

3. Update Your Browser:

Outdated browsers often lack the latest security features and might not be able to properly validate security certificates. Update your browser to the latest version:

  • Chrome:
    • Open Chrome, click on the three dots in the top right corner, and select "Help" > "About Google Chrome".
    • Chrome will automatically update if an update is available.
  • Firefox:
    • Open Firefox, click on the three lines in the top right corner, and select "Help" > "About Firefox".
    • Firefox will automatically update if an update is available.
  • Safari:
    • Safari automatically updates in the background. To check for updates, go to Safari > About Safari.
  • Edge:
    • Open Edge, click on the three dots in the top right corner, and select "Help and feedback" > "About Microsoft Edge".
    • Edge will automatically update if an update is available.

4. Reset Your Browser Settings (If Other Solutions Fail):

  • Chrome:
    • Go to Settings > Advanced > Reset settings.
    • Click "Restore settings to their original defaults".
    • Confirm your action by clicking "Reset settings".
  • Firefox:
    • Go to Help > Troubleshooting Information.
    • Click "Refresh Firefox".
    • Follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Safari:
    • Go to Safari > Reset Safari.
    • Select the options you want to reset.
    • Click "Reset".
  • Edge:
    • Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data.
    • Click on "Show more" and select "Advanced settings".
    • Under "Advanced Settings", click on "Reset settings to their default values".
    • Confirm by clicking "Reset settings".

5. Temporarily Disable Antivirus and Firewall:

Your antivirus or firewall might be interfering with the website's certificate verification. Try temporarily disabling them:

  • Windows:
    • Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
    • Go to Virus & threat protection > Manage settings.
    • Turn off "Real-time protection".
    • Also, disable your firewall in the Windows Security settings.
  • MacOS:
    • Open System Preferences and go to Security & Privacy.
    • Click on the "Firewall" tab.
    • Unlock the padlock by clicking on it and entering your password.
    • Uncheck "Turn on Firewall".
  • Linux:
    • Open a terminal and run the command: sudo systemctl disable firewalld.
    • Replace firewalld with the name of your firewall if different.
    • You might need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

6. Contact the Website Administrator:

If all the above solutions fail, the issue might be with the website itself. Contact the website administrator to report the net::err_cert_authority_invalid error. They can investigate the problem and potentially fix the certificate issue.

7. Use a Different Browser:

If you're confident the website is legitimate, try accessing it using a different browser. This can help rule out browser-specific issues.

Additional Tips:

  • Check for Malicious Activity: If you see the net::err_cert_authority_invalid error, it's essential to be cautious. The website might be a phishing attempt or contain malware. Avoid entering personal information or downloading files from such websites.
  • Use a VPN: A VPN can encrypt your internet traffic, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept your data. However, it's important to use a reputable VPN service with a strong security record.

Conclusion:

The net::err_cert_authority_invalid error is a security-related issue that can be resolved by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide. By verifying your system's date and time, clearing your browser cache, updating your browser, and possibly contacting the website administrator, you can usually fix the error and access the website securely. Remember, it's crucial to prioritize online safety and be cautious when encountering this error.

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