Top 10 Ways to Fix NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error

The most common warning error related to network connections that are not secured properly is the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID. It has to be mentioned though, that this cannot confirm that the site you are visiting is risky, rather the error might be related to your browsers or the Windows 10 system.

Even if you have installed an SSL certificate on your website, users may still encounter the NET::ERR CERT AUTHORITY INVALID error. Despite its intimidating moniker, the invalid certificate authority error is not caused alarm.

Simply put, your browser does not recognize your certificate's validity. To keep you "safe," this error is displayed, so you are aware that something is amiss. However, as the website owner, you have many options for resolving the issue.

Common variations of this Chrome error code include the following:

• NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID
• NET::ERR_CERTIFICATE_TRANSPARENCY_REQUIRED
• NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID
• SSL CERTIFICATE ERROR
• NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID (This occurs when the certificate does not match the domain)
• NET::ERR_CERT_WEAK_SIGNATURE_ALGORITHM

What Causes NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID?

These are some of the possible causes of the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error:

• Self-signed SSL certificates are used. You can save money by using a self-signed certificate, but since browsers cannot verify its validity, your visitors may encounter the error in question. Many users can be scared away by browser warnings, so we advise against this strategy.
• Your certificate is no longer valid. SSL certificates expire as a precautionary measure. Depending on the duration of your certificate, you will eventually need to renew it or automate the renewal process (some authorities and web hosts enable you to do this easily).
• The certificate originates from an unreliable source. As with self-signed certificates, browsers will display an error if they cannot verify the authority that issued your certificate.

Best Ways to Fix NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID

Mostly you get the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID on Chrome but that doesn't mean that you cannot have it on other browsers. You might find numerous variations of the error on major browsers, but the fixes stated here will work for all the browsers.

1. Reload the Page

Occasionally you might get the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error automatically as you reload the page after a couple of minutes.

Try reloading the page or opening the website in an incognito or private window, if you see that the error doesn't remain here then the error was probably due to the browser outdated cached version of the page.

2. Clear Cache and Cookies

The NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error is caused by the cache and cookies of your browser if you see that the page is loaded on the incognito or private window.

You can clear the cache and cookies here to fix the issue. Keep in mind that the way to clear cache and cookies would be different in different browsers.

Clearing Your Browser's Cache and Cookies

1. On your computer, launch Google Chrome.
2. Click More Tools> Clear browsing history in the menu bar's upper-right corner.
3. To erase everything, click "All time" in the Time range at the top.
4. Check the boxes for "cookies and other site data" and "cache images and files."
5. Finally, click Clear data.
6. Restart your computer and determine if the error has been resolved.

3). Check for SSL certificate expiry date:

Due to your hectic schedule, you may miss the SSL expiration dates, resulting in browser problems. There are several possible causes for SSL expiration.

1. The owner of the website has not activated auto-renewal with the SSL certificate supplier.
2. If 'auto-renew is activated,' but payment is not made, the subscription will expire.
3. The website owner disregards the SSL provider's renewal notification email.
4. The website owner has installed a free SSL certificate with a 90-day validity period.

To check the expiration date of a website's SSL certificate:

1. Click the Chrome menu (three dots) and navigate to Additional Tools > Developer Tools.
2. Click View Certificate on the Security tab.
3. Here you may view all information on the SSL certificate, including the type of SSL certificate, the name of the certificate issuer, and the validity term.
4. If the certificate has expired, renew it and the error will be resolved.

4. Check the Date and Time

You need to verify the date and time of your Windows computer as this is another reason that could cause the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error. The browser's skill to check the website's certificate can be compromised if the wrong date and time are set on the computer.

You can follow the given steps to update the date and time:

1. Move to the system tray, then right-click on your system’s time, then choose the option that says Adjust date/time:
2. Locate the option Sync now under Synchronize your clock on the window that pops up and click on it.

3. Windows will now assure that the date and time are set correctly.

Make sure to select the Set time automatically option to prevent this problem in the future.

5. Use a Different Network

If you are using the Public network, then you may get the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error.

As the traffic wouldn't be routed securely by the Public network, you may get the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error.

Try accessing the data through your mobile data network if that is the issue and check if you get the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error.

You can also use a VPN and try it out.

6. Allocate DNS Settings

Try to assign the DNS if you are still getting the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error.

Follow the steps to do so:

1. Click on the Cortana icon in your Windows 10 system and in the Search box enter Network and Sharing Center.
2. From the left sidebar select Change Adapter Settings
3. Choose Properties after right-clicking on the currently active Adapter.
4. Then choose Internet Protocol Version 4 and select Properties.
5. After this, click Use the following DNS server address and type Google’s Public DNS servers: 8.8.8, respectively 8.8.4.4.
6. Restart the Windows after saving the settings.

Then, check if the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error remains.

7. Clear Computer’s SSL State

You have to clear your system's SSL state if the problem remains even after this.

The cached copies of certificates are kept by your browsers from websites so that they won't have to run through the complete verification process every time you access them.

And you might start getting this error if the SSL states or cache gets corrupted. Follow the given steps to fix the invalid certificate authority error in Windows:

Click on the button that shows Clear SSL state, then close the window, and then reload the website.

8. Disable Your Antivirus or VPN

Sometimes, your antivirus or the VPN can be the reason for the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error.

In these situations try turning them off and restarting the computer.

Then check if the problem still remains.

9. Run an SSL Server Test

If you installed your SSL certificate shortly before the error began to appear, a problem may have occurred during setup. This typically occurs when the certificate was installed manually, as opposed to through the web host.

Using an SSL check tool is the simplest way to determine whether your certificate was correctly installed. Simply enter the domain where the error is occurring and then click the Submit button:

10. Get a Certificate from a Trusted Authority

There is no longer any justification for using a self-signed certificate. If cost is the only consideration, Let's Encrypt offers free certificates. Since it is a valid authority, every browser will recognise the validity of your certificate:

However, you will need more than a free certificate for some websites. Free certificates must be frequently renewed, which can be a hassle. Premium certificates provide additional benefits, such as data breach insurance, encryption for multiple domains, and more.

Particularly for ecommerce sites, it may be worthwhile to invest in a premium SSL certificate. In order to avoid the NET::ERR CERT AUTHORITY INVALID error, you must purchase certificates from valid authorities if you intend to do so.

The PC Repair Tool ( BEST & SIMPLE)

As we have mentioned in our other articles, you can use the PC Repair tool in case of most errors as it helps you fix BSOD, DLL and other errors on Windows 10.

Conclusion:

The NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error is not cause for alarm, but rather a warning that your browser does not recognize your certificate's validity. This error can occur due to various reasons like self-signed SSL certificates, certificate expiration, certificates originating from an unreliable source, etc.

There are several ways to fix this error, like reloading the page, clearing cache and cookies, checking SSL certificate expiration date, verifying the date and time, using a different network, allocating DNS settings, etc. By following these solutions, you can resolve this error and access the website safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the error in Javax XML bind?

The error in Javax XML bind typically occurs when the JAXB library is not included in the classpath or when the version of the library is not compatible with the version of the Java runtime environment.

2. What does the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error mean?

The NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error is a warning that appears on your browser when it does not recognize the SSL certificate authority for a website you are trying to access. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as expired or self-signed certificates, or issues with the browser's cache or DNS settings.

3. How can I fix the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error?

You can fix the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error by reloading the page, clearing your browser's cache and cookies, checking for SSL certificate expiration dates, verifying your computer's date and time settings, using a different network or VPN, and assigning DNS settings. You can also try the solutions mentioned in the article.

4. Is the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error a serious issue?

The NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error is not a serious issue, it is simply a warning that your browser cannot verify the SSL certificate authority for a website. However, it indicates a potential security risk or prevents you from accessing certain websites.

5. Can I prevent the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error from occurring in the future?

To prevent the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error from occurring in the future, you can ensure your SSL certificate is valid and issued by a reputable authority, setting up automatic renewal for your SSL certificate, regularly clearing your browser's cache and cookies, and verifying your computer's date and time settings.