Error: "Your connection is not private" when accessing a website in Chrome


Symptoms

Your connection is not private

Attackers might be trying to steal your information from SITE_NAME (for example, passwords, messages, or credit cards). NET:ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID

Cause

When you visit a website, your browser sends a request to the server where the site is hosted. The browser then has to validate the certificate installed on the site to ensure it is up to current privacy standards. Other things that also take place include the TLS handshake, the certificate being checked against the certificate authority, and decryption of the certificate.

If the browser finds that the certificate isn't valid, it will automatically try to prevent you from reaching the site. This feature is built into web browsers to protect the user. If the certificate isn't set up correctly, this means data can't be encrypted properly and therefore the site is unsafe to visit. Instead of loading the site, it will deliver the error above.

Resolution

The error can only be permanently resolved by the owner of the website.

Workaround

CAUTION: You should only follow these steps if you know and trust the website you are trying to access.

1) Click ADVANCED.

example screenshot

2) Click Proceed to SITE_NAME (unsafe), where SITE_NAME is the name of the site that you attempted to access.

example screenshot


OUTCOME

You will be able to access the website.