How to Fix the “net::err_cert_authority_invalid” Error?

If you look closely at this error message – net::err_cert_authority_invalid error – you will understand what it is trying to convey. Net indicates your browser; err means the error; cert means certificate; authority_invalid is clearly understood, i.e., the authority is invalid. Conclusively, this error occurs when your browser fails to recognize the authority of the searched website’s SSL certificate. This error is common and alerts you when you are about to do something sensitive, like financial transactions. It’s highly unlikely that any legitimate website has issues with an SSL certificate. It means that if you see this message the site you are trying to reach can be a fraud site. And if you are a website owner and facing “net::err_cert_authority_invalid” error issues for no reason – we will tell you today how to fix the “net::err_cert_authority_invalid” error. Stay tuned!

What is the “net::err_cert_authority_invalid” Error?

The “net::err_cert_authority_invalid” error typically appears when a website’s SSL/TLS certificate cannot be validated by the browser. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or its successor, TLS (Transport Layer Security – are protocols used to secure communication between your browser and the web server. When a user visits a website, the browser checks the SSL certificate to ensure it’s been issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). If it can’t verify this, you’ll see the “net::err_cert_authority_invalid” error. The error message serves as a warning, telling you that the site might not be secure, which is why it’s often accompanied by a “Your connection is not private” message.

How do you see the “net::err_cert_authority_invalid” Error?

Safari

Chrome

Edge

Firefox

Same error in other words:

• NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID
• NET::ERR_CERT_INVALID
• NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID
• NET::ERR_CERT_WEAK_SIGNATURE_ALGORITHM
• NET::ERR_CERTIFICATE_TRANSPARENCY_REQUIRED
• SSL CERTIFICATE ERROR

Why do you see the “net::err_cert_authority_invalid” error? | Common Causes & Quick Solutions

There could be multiple reasons behind the “net::err_cert_authority_invalid” error. And if you know the causes, it will be easier to fix the error.

Self-Signed Certificate

Some websites use self-signed certificates instead of obtaining one from a trusted CA. These are valid for encryption purposes but are not recognized by browsers as they haven’t been verified by an external authority.

What can you do to fix this?

The easiest fix is to manually add the certificate to your trusted list, though this is generally not recommended for public websites. So, the best solution is to get your certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).

Expired Certificate

SSL certificates have an expiration date, typically ranging from 1 to 2 years. If a website’s certificate has expired, the browser will flag it as invalid.

What is the fix?

Check your site’s SSL certificate’s expiry date and if it’s expired or about to – get the renewal done. For this, connect with your hosting provider or CA. You can also connect with the best SSL certificate provider – Leasepacket.

Incorrect Date & Time Settings

If your device’s date & time are incorrect, the browser might have trouble verifying the SSL certificate.

Solution

You have to be sure your system clock is accurate. You better set it to automatic to avoid discrepancies.

Certificate Issued by an Untrusted Authority

Sometimes, SSL certificates are issued by an authority that isn’t recognized by the browser, leading to an error.

What to do?

Make sure your certificate is issued by a trusted Certificate Authority. If it’s a personal site, you may need to purchase a certificate from a recognized CA. Or, connect with Leasepacket for the same.

Antivirus or Firewall Interference

Some antivirus programs or firewalls intercept SSL certificates to scan encrypted traffic, which can sometimes lead to this error.

What can you do to fix the “net::err_cert_authority_invalid” error?

Try disabling the SSL/TLS scanning feature in your antivirus or firewall settings.

Browser Cache & Cookies

Old or corrupt cache and cookies can sometimes cause SSL errors.

Fix

Clearing your browser cache & cookies may help resolve the issue.

How to Fix “net::err_cert_authority_invalid” Error?

Let’s check out the steps to fix the “net::err_cert_authority_invalid” error.

Step 1: Check the Website’s SSL Certificate

Whenever you face the “net::err_cert_authority_invalid” error as a site visitor or site owner, the first thing you should do is check the site’s SSL certificate. You can do this by clicking on the padlock icon next to the URL in the browser’s address bar. Here, you can view the certificate’s details, including the issuer and the expiration date.

If the certificate is expired

You should contact the website owner and inform them of the issue. They will need to renew the certificate with their CA. If you are a website owner, you should get the renewal.

If the certificate is issued by an untrusted CA

The website owner should obtain a certificate from a trusted CA or agency like Leasepacket.

Step 2: Adjust Date & Time Settings

As mentioned earlier, incorrect date and time settings can cause SSL errors. Follow these steps to adjust your settings:

Windows

• Go to Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time.

• Make sure that the Set time automatically option is turned on.

Mac

• Go to System Preferences > Date & Time.

• Check the Set date and time automatically option.

After making sure your date & time settings are correct – try reloading the website.

Step 3: Clear Browser Cache & Cookies

Sometimes, clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can resolve the issue. Here’s how to do it:

Chrome

• Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and go to More Tools > Clear browsing data.

• Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.

• Click Clear data.

Firefox

• Click on the hamburger menu and go to Settings > Privacy & Security.

• Scroll down to the Cookies and Site Data section and click Clear Data.

Edge

• Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and go to Settings > Privacy, search, and Services.

• Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.

After clearing the cache and cookies, restart your browser and try accessing the website again.

Step 4: Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

If your antivirus or firewall is causing the error, try disabling it temporarily to see if the issue is resolved.

Antivirus

Open your antivirus program and look for an option to disable SSL/TLS scanning. If you can’t find it, try temporarily disabling the antivirus software itself.

Firewall

Access your firewall settings and see if there is an SSL/TLS scanning option you can disable.

Remember to turn your antivirus or firewall back on after checking to ensure your system remains protected.

Step 5: Bypass the Warning (Not Recommended)

If you are confident that the website is safe, and you are only accessing it temporarily, you can bypass the SSL warning in your browser. However, this is generally not recommended as it exposes you to potential security risks.

Chrome

• Click on Advanced on the warning page.

• Click Proceed to [website].

Firefox

• Click on Advanced.

• Click Accept the Risk & Continue.

Edge

• Click on Advanced.

• Click Proceed to [website].

Keep in mind that bypassing the warning should only be done as a last resort and only if you trust the website.

How to Prevent “net::err_cert_authority_invalid” Error?

Preventing this error from happening again involves taking a few precautionary steps:

Keep Your System Date & Time Accurate

Regularly check your system’s date and time settings to ensure they are accurate.

Update Your Browser Regularly

You must make certain you are using the latest version of your browser, as updates often include fixes for SSL-related issues.

Install SSL Certificates from Trusted Authorities

If you manage a website, always obtain your SSL certificates from a reputable CA or SSL certificate provider, like Leasepacket.

Renew SSL Certificates on Time

Set reminders to renew your SSL certificates before they expire to avoid service interruptions.

Avoid Using Self-Signed Certificates

While self-signed certificates are fine for internal testing, they should not be used for public-facing websites.

Monitor SSL Settings in Antivirus & Firewall

Regularly review your antivirus and firewall settings to be sure they are not causing issues with SSL certificates.

Conclusion

The “net::err_cert_authority_invalid” error is a sign that something is wrong with the site’s SSL certificate. While it’s important to be cautious when dealing with SSL errors, many of them can be resolved by following the steps outlined in this article. You can safely navigate the web and maintain a secure browsing experience by knowing things. These tips should help you fix the error and prevent it from happening in the future.

If the problem still persists or you need an SSL certificate – connect with Leasepacket.

FAQs