What is causing "security certificate errors" and how can I stop it from happening?

Question

I click the "more information" line and I'm told that some sites have invalid security certificates or expired security certificates, thus not allowing me access to sites I have regularly visited in the past. Red warning signals pop up on my toolbar and a page shows up recommended me to leave the website. A red shield also shows up on the toolbar alongside the words "certificate errors". I don't know what to do, because the sites I go to are necessary for me to access. It just started appearing within the last week, even though I did nothing to change things like adding programs.

Answer 1

Check first your System Time and Date at the lower right corner. Usually you are getting that error because your time clock and the security certicate date won't match in terms of expiration

If same problem persist. Try optimizing the browser
Try optimizing Internet Exlorer Browser
a. Check first the version
Click Help
Click About Internet Explorer

If you are using IE7 or version 7
a. Close IE
b. Click on Start
c. Click on Control Panel
d. Open Network and Internet Connections
e. Open Internet Options
NOTE: If Network and Internet Connections is separated just try to look for Internet Options
f. At Internet Options
Click on Advanced on the upper right
Click on Reset at the bottom portion
Click on Close
Click on Apply and OK


If you are using version 6
Click on Tools on the upper verions
Click on Internet Options
Under General Tab Delete Files, Delete Cookies
Then Go to Security Tab, Click on Default Level
Then Go to Privacy, Click on Default
Then Go to Programs Tab, Click on Reset Web Settings
Then Go to Advanced Click on Restore Defaults
Click on Apply and OK

Answer 2

When a secure connection is set up between your browser and a server that hosts the website, your browser examines the website's certificate to see whether it can be trusted. Your browser checks for a number of things such as the certificate validity date range, whether it has been issued by a trusted CA, etc.

If any of the criteria are not satisfied, it gives you the "certificate error". Please be advised that a "certificare error" does not necessarily indicate that the website is unsafe. If you want to continue visiting the websites irrespective of the certificate error, the next time it shows up, click on accept the certificate permanently. However, this is not very advisable.

Answer 3

You could try a couple of things: Strange as it sounds, your systems' time must be synchronized to the actual time. (Your old, outdated cert's don't match the current cert's). Right click the system tray time clock> Adjust time & Date> Internet time> Update now. (Make sure your system is set to 'Automatic Synchronize...' while you're here) Another possible fix: With Internet Explorer, go to Microsoft Updates, then select the 'Custom' button (not the 'Express'). That will tell you all specific updates for your computer (hardware & software) and in this case the certificate updates. OR: You could just ignore the problem (if you feel safe about your surfing habits: it's just a blackmail fee paid to a business to get 'certified' anyway, and has no relevance to a site's internal state of security). To do away with these notices entirely, open IE, go to Tools> Internet options> Advanced> "Security" section near bottom of smaller window and un-check all the certificate warnings & notices.

Answer 4

If you go to start, windows updates and run customs windows updates, you might see one for security certificates updates. I just downloaded one last night.

Microsoft updates the certificates all the time. And I never have this problem that you described.

My antivirus program from Beijing, China, as a Dynamic Defense System", scanner, plus your regular background scanner for viruses. The "DDS", will catch any webpage or download that does not have a valid certificate or owner, and ask me if I trust the site, or do I wish to kill the download or site. http://www.filseclab.com

Security certificates are a really good thing from Microsoft. And there are sites and download that you know for sure you can trust and their certificate is out of date. The options are yours to do as you wish.

Minddoctor, France