In today's digital era, securing websites is of paramount importance for both website owners and users. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates play a crucial role in protecting online transactions and ensuring users that their data is secure. However, SSL certificate errors can occur, leading to serious security risks. One common error that users may encounter is NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID.

What does NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error mean?

This error occurs when the browser does not recognize the authority that issued the website's SSL certificate as trustworthy. Several reasons could lead to this:

• The certificate was issued by an unknown or untrusted Certificate Authority (CA).
• The certificate has been tampered with or is somehow corrupted.
• The user's system clock is incorrectly set, causing a mismatch in the certificate's validity dates.

How to fix the issue

The solution to this error depends on the cause. Below are some possible steps to resolve it:

1. Verify the validity of the SSL certificate:

Ensure that the SSL certificate of the website is still valid and has not expired. This can usually be checked using online tools for SSL certificate validation.

2. Update your browser:

An outdated browser version may have trouble recognizing new or updated Certificate Authorities. Updating to the latest browser version may resolve the issue.

3. Check system clock:

Make sure the date and time on your device are correctly set. Incorrect settings may cause the browser to consider the certificate invalid.

4. Trust the Certificate Authority:

In some cases, it may be necessary to manually add the Certificate Authority to the list of trusted issuers in your operating system or browser.

The NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error is a serious alert about a potential security issue. It is essential to address it promptly to protect your data and maintain the security of your online environment. When resolving this error, it's crucial to identify the root cause and take appropriate steps to mitigate it. If problems persist, contacting the website's technical support or an IT specialist is recommended.