NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error

Updated on Nov 29, 2024 · 11 mins read

The NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error can be a frustrating roadblock for both website visitors and owners. This common SSL/TLS certificate issue disrupts trust and hampers website accessibility. In this blogs, we’ll explain what this error means, its implications for users and website owners, and the steps to resolve it effectively.

What is the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error?

The NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error indicates that your browser cannot verify the authenticity of a website’s SSL/TLS certificate. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) certificates guarantee that an establishment of communication between browsers and a particular site is safe and encrypted. This status usually suggests that the certificate used in the website is self-generated, has run out, is set up incorrectly, or is created by an unauthorized authority.

For Website Visitors: Why Does This Error Matter?

The NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error is more than just a technical inconvenience—it’s a warning sign about the security of your connection to a website. When this error appears, your browser is alerting you that it cannot verify the legitimacy of the website’s SSL/TLS certificate, which is critical for encrypting your data during online interactions. Ignoring this warning could put your sensitive information, such as passwords, financial details, or personal data, at risk.

Common Reasons You See the Error

1. Untrusted Certificate Authority

The organisation in charge of providing SSL/TLS certificates is known as the certificate authority (CA). A certificate must be issued by a reputable CA in order to be accepted as legitimate. Your browser will mark a website as possibly unsafe if it utilises a certificate that is self-signed or comes from an unreliable source. This is a typical problem with internal company systems or tiny websites.

2. Expired or Revoked Certificate

Like most certificates, SSL/TLS certificates have an expiration date. If the website’s owner does not renew the certificate on time, the browser will not accept it anymore. Similarly, if the certificate is compromised or misused, the Certificate Authority (CA) revokes it, causing this error. Additionally, an incorrect system date or time on your device can lead the browser to believe the certificate has expired. Ensure the date and time are accurate in such cases

3. Mismatched Certificate Details

An SSL/TLS certificate holds certain information, one of which is the domain name it is issued to. For example, if the URL of the site is www.moksh.com, but the certificate is issued for moksh.com (or vice versa), the browser will display an error message to inform the user of the mismatch. This is a security measure to ensure that the certificate corresponds exactly to the domain being

4. Outdated Browser

Browsers depend on the presence of the latest libraries for identity of trusted CA and encryption algorithms. This error can also occur if your browser is out of date: it could be that the browser is not equipped to validate newer forms of certificates.

How to Resolve the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Issue as a Visitor

To address this error, consider the following steps:

1. Keep Your Operating System and Browser Updated

Outdated systems may lack the necessary root certificates to validate SSL connections.

• Update Your Operating System:
  • Regularly check for and install system updates to maintain security and compatibility.
• Update Your Browser:
  • Ensure you’re using the latest version of your browser to benefit from security patches and updates.

2. Align Your Device’s Clock

An incorrect system clock can cause SSL validation errors.

• Steps:
  1. Access your device’s date and time settings.
  2. Enable automatic date and time synchronization.
  3. Ensure the time zone is correct.

3. Use Incognito or Private Mode

Browser extensions or cached data can interfere with SSL connections.

• Steps:
  1. Open a new incognito or private browsing window.
  2. Attempt to access the website.
  3. If successful, consider disabling extensions or clearing your cache in the regular browsing mode.

4. Add the Certificate to Your Browser

If you trust the website but continue to receive the error, you can manually add the certificate to your browser’s trusted list:

• Google Chrome:
  1. Click on the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select “Certificate” to view details.
  3. Click “Details” and then “Copy to File” to export the certificate.
  4. Import the certificate into Chrome’s trusted certificates.
• Mozilla Firefox:
  1. Click on the padlock icon and select “More Information.”
  2. Go to “View Certificate” and export it.
  3. Import the certificate into Firefox’s certificate manager. Note: Only perform this action for websites you trust, as adding untrusted certificates can compromise your security.

5. Turn Off SSL Scanning in Antivirus Software

Some antivirus programs scan SSL connections, which can interfere with certificate validation.

• Steps:
  1. Open your antivirus software settings.
  2. Locate the SSL or HTTPS scanning feature.
  3. Disable this feature temporarily.
  4. Restart your browser and check if the issue persists. Caution: Disabling SSL scanning can reduce your security. Ensure you re-enable it after troubleshooting.

6. Reset Your SSL State

Clearing the SSL state can resolve issues related to cached certificates.

• For Windows:
  1. Open the “Internet Options” control panel.
  2. Navigate to the “Content” tab.
  3. Click “Clear SSL State.”
  4. Restart your browser.
• For macOS:
  1. Open “Keychain Access.”
  2. Delete any certificates related to the problematic website.
  3. Restart your browser.
• For Ubuntu:
  1. Open a terminal window by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.
  2. Clear any cached SSL certificates for the specific site:
  • Delete the problematic certificate from your browser’s certificate manager:
    • For Firefox:
      1. Open Firefox and go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
      2. Scroll down to the Certificates section and click View Certificates.
      3. Find and remove the certificate associated with the problematic website.
  3. Clear your browser’s cache and restart it.
  4. Check if the issue persists by reloading the website.

7. Contact the Website Owner for Help

If the issue persists, reach out to the website administrator to inform them of the SSL certificate problem. They may need to renew or reconfigure their certificate.

For Website Owners: Understanding the Problem

The NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error isn’t just a technical issue; it’s a barrier to user trust and website functionality. Any time this error occurs, potential customers are reminded not to believe in your site hence they will not stay to read any content or use the services you offer. This has a direct influence on your traffic, search engine ranking, and company reputation. It is important for any individual and business to be aware of this problem and be able to address it to ensure they have a safe, optimized, and polished online presence.

Why Your Website Shows the Error

The error occurs due to problems with your SSL/TLS certificate, which ensures encrypted communication between your website and its visitors. Here are the common causes:

1. Expired Certificates

They have a limited lifetime that is usually ranges from 90 days up to several years. If this certificate is not renewed before it gets to its expiry date then the browser will recognize it as a non-existent one. Certificates that are expired give the perception that the issuer is lazy and this is not the kind of perception you would want to give to your potential visitors.

2. Self-Signed Certificates

Self-signed certificates are produced by the owner of the website rather than a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). While they are simple to create and free of charge, browsers don’t trust them because they lack external approval. These certificates are suitable for development environments or internal networks but should not be used on public websites.

For public websites, consider obtaining a free SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt . Let’s Encrypt provides certificates trusted by all major browsers, ensuring your site is secure and user-friendly.

3. Misconfiguration

Incorrectly installing or configuring your certificate can result in mismatches between the certificate and your domain. Common issues include:

• The certificate being issued for a different domain (e.g., “example.com” vs. “www.example.com”).
• Using a wildcard certificate improperly.
• Incorrect settings in your web server configuration (e.g., Apache, NGINX).

4. Missing Intermediate Certificates

By using SSL/TLS certificates, users have to stay connected by creating a chain of trust between your certificate and the root certificate. If you don’t have the intermediate certificates that connect your site to the root, browsers cannot verify the authenticity of your certificate.

How to Resolve the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Issue as a Website Owner

Resolving this error requires addressing the root cause. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:

1. Use a Trusted Certificate Authority

• Purchase your SSL/TLS certificate from a reputable CA such as DigiCert , GlobalSign , or Sectigo .
• For free and widely trusted options, consider using Let’s Encrypt , which provides automated certificate issuance.
• Avoid self-signed certificates unless for local development or internal use. Pro Tip: Some hosting providers (e.g., Bluehost, SiteGround) include free SSL certificates in their plans. Check with your provider before purchasing separately.

2. Renew Expired Certificates

• Monitor the expiration date of your SSL/TLS certificate and renew it before it expires.
• Most CAs send email reminders as the expiration date approaches. Set additional reminders in your calendar to ensure timely action.
• If using Let’s Encrypt, implement automatic renewal using tools like Certbot.

3. Verify Certificate Installation

• Ensure your certificate is properly installed on your server. Incorrect installation can lead to errors.
• Use tools like SSL Checker or Whynopadlock to verify your SSL setup.
• Confirm that your web server (e.g., Apache, NGINX) is configured correctly to serve the certificate.

4. Fix Domain Mismatch

• Check that the certificate details match your domain name exactly. For example:
  • A certificate for “www.example.com” will not work for “example.com” unless a wildcard or SAN (Subject Alternative Name) certificate is used.
• If you’ve recently updated your domain (e.g., adding or removing “www”), ensure your certificate reflects the changes.
• Reissue the certificate with the correct domain details if necessary.

5. Install Intermediate Certificates

• Obtain the intermediate certificates from your CA and add them to your server.
• Verify that your server sends the complete certificate chain to browsers. Missing intermediate certificates will cause browsers to distrust the connection.
• Use tools like SSL Labs to check if the chain of trust is complete.

6. Enable Automatic Certificate Renewal

• Automate certificate renewals to avoid expiration issues, especially if using Let’s Encrypt.
• Tools like Certbot, ZeroSSL, or acme.sh can automate both issuance and renewal processes.
• For paid certificates, inquire whether your hosting provider offers managed SSL services to handle renewals automatically.

7. Test SSL Configuration

• After making changes, test your SSL/TLS configuration to ensure it’s secure and error-free:
• Use Qualys SSL Labs to analyze your configuration for weaknesses.
• Look for an “A” grade or higher to ensure your SSL implementation is robust.
• Verify that HTTP is redirected to HTTPS, ensuring all traffic is secure.

By resolving the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error, you can rebuild visitor trust, improve user experience, and strengthen your website’s SEO performance. Addressing SSL issues is not just a technical necessity—it’s a cornerstone of building credibility in today’s online ecosystem.

Impact of NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID on SEO

For website owners, this error doesn’t just deter visitors—it impacts your search engine rankings. Google prioritizes secure websites (HTTPS) in its search results. Persistent SSL issues can:

• Lower your site’s SEO score.
• Increase bounce rates due to user mistrust.
• Lead to “Not Secure” warnings in browsers, discouraging traffic. Fixing this error not only improves user trust but also aligns with search engine best practices.

Browser-Specific Solutions

Google Chrome

• Clear Browsing Data:
  1. Go to “Settings” > “Privacy and Security” > “Clear Browsing Data.”
  2. Select “All time” and clear data.
• Disable Extensions:
  1. Navigate to “More Tools” > “Extensions.”
  2. Disable all extensions and restart the browser.

Safari

Safari users encountering the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error can try:

1. Clear Website Data:
   • Go to Safari > Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data.
   • Remove all data related to the problematic site.
2. Check Keychain for Invalid Certificates:
   • Open Keychain Access.
   • Search for the website’s certificate and ensure it’s marked as trusted.
3. Update macOS and Safari:
   • Use the App Store or System Preferences > Software Update to check for updates.

Arc Browser

The Arc browser, although new, can also encounter SSL errors. Steps to resolve them include:

1. Clear Cache:
   • Open Arc’s settings and clear cached files related to the site.
2. Inspect Extensions:
   • Disable browser extensions to see if they’re causing conflicts.
3. Reset Browser Data:
   • Use the browser’s reset feature to restore default settings.

Tips for Avoiding SSL Errors

For Users

1. Stick to Trusted Websites: Do not enter Web sites that have a self-signed certificate a person cannot recognize.
2. Keep Software Updated: Always ensure that its OS is up to date, the browser, and security programs installed.
3. Use HTTPS Everywhere: Use plugins to make browser connection security automatic, for instance HTTPS Everywhere.

For Website Owners

1. Monitor SSL Status: For certificate validity use tools like Site24x7 or UptimeRobot.
2. Implement HSTS: By making HTTP connections HTTPS only through HTTP strict transport security headers.
3. Regularly Audit SSL Setup: It is advisable to set up time to time security so checks can be made to determine compliance with the standards.

Conclusion

The NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error is perhaps one of the best ways to tell web users to exercise security on their connections. Though at times maybe a minor system or browser problem, it can point towards some big security issues. Following the steps given for both users and website admin this particular error can easily be fixed.