How to Fix the Err_Cert_Common_Name

As a frequent internet user, you may have come across a security error message that reads “Err_Cert_Common_Name_Invalid.(Your connection is not private)” This error message appears when the website you are trying to access has an SSL certificate that does not match the domain name or the URL of the site. The SSL certificate is an essential component of website security, and any misconfiguration can lead to this error message. In this troubleshooting guide, I will explain what causes the Err_Cert_Common_Name_Invalid error and provide solutions to fix the error on popular web browsers.

Introduction to the Err_Cert_Common_Name_Invalid Error

The Err_Cert_Common_Name_Invalid error is a security warning message that appears when there is a mismatch between the SSL certificate of a website and the domain name or URL of the website. SSL certificates are used to encrypt the data transmitted between the user’s browser and the website server. SSL certificates contain information such as the domain name, expiration date, and other details that ensure the website is secure.

When the SSL certificate does not match the domain name or URL of the website, the web browser considers it a security threat and blocks the user from accessing the site. This error message can appear on any web browser, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.

What Causes the Err_Cert_Common_Name_Invalid Error?

Several factors can cause the Err_Cert_Common_Name_Invalid error. The most common cause is a misconfigured SSL certificate on the server-side. This can happen when the SSL certificate is issued for a different domain name or URL, or when the SSL certificate has expired.

Another cause of the error message is when the website has multiple subdomains, and the SSL certificate is only valid for a specific subdomain. For example, if the SSL certificate is valid for www.example.com, it will not work for blog.example.com.

Lastly, the error message can appear when the user’s browser is outdated or when there is a problem with the web browser’s security settings.

How to Diagnose the Err_Cert_Common_Name_Invalid Error

Before attempting to fix the Err_Cert_Common_Name_Invalid error, it is important to diagnose the problem. Diagnosing the error can help you determine the cause of the problem and the appropriate solution to fix it.

The first step in diagnosing the error is to check the URL or domain name of the website you are trying to access. Ensure that the URL or domain name is correct and matches the SSL certificate. If the URL or domain name is correct, try accessing the website on a different browser. If the error message does not appear, the problem is with your browser’s settings.

Another way to diagnose the error is to check the SSL certificate of the website. You can do this by clicking on the padlock icon in the address bar of your browser. This will display the SSL certificate information, including the domain name and other details. Check if the SSL certificate matches the domain name or URL of the website.

Fixing the Error on Google Chrome

Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers, and it is essential to know how to fix the Err_Cert_Common_Name_Invalid error on this browser. Here are the steps to fix the error on Google Chrome:

Click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the browser.
Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
Scroll down and click on “Advanced.”
Under the “Privacy and security” section, click on “Security.”
Click on “Manage certificates.”
Select the “Authorities” tab.
Find and delete the SSL certificate that is causing the error.
Restart Google Chrome and try accessing the website again.

Fixing the Error on Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox is another popular web browser, and the steps to fix the Err_Cert_Common_Name_Invalid error on this browser are different from Google Chrome. Here are the steps to fix the error on Mozilla Firefox:

Click on the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner of the browser.
Select “Options” from the dropdown menu.
Click on “Privacy & Security” on the left-hand side of the menu.
Scroll down to the “Certificates” section and click on “View Certificates.”
Select the “Servers” tab.
Find and delete the SSL certificate that is causing the error.
Restart the Mozilla Firefox and try accessing the website again.

Fixing the Error on Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is the default web browser on Windows 10, and it is important to know how to fix the Err_Cert_Common_Name_Invalid error on this browser. Here are the steps to fix the error on Microsoft Edge:

Click on the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner of the browser.
Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
Click on “Privacy, search, and services” on the left-hand side of the menu.
Scroll down and click on “Security.”
Click on “Manage certificates.”
Select the “Authorities” tab.
Find and delete the SSL certificate that is causing the error.
Restart Microsoft Edge and try accessing the website again.

Fixing the Error on Safari

Safari is the default web browser on macOS, and it is important to know how to fix the Err_Cert_Common_Name_Invalid error on this browser. Here are the steps to fix the error on Safari:

Click on “Safari” in the top-left corner of the screen.
Select “Preferences” from the dropdown menu.
Click on “Privacy” on the top of the menu.
Click on “Manage Website Data.”
Find and delete the SSL certificate that is causing the error.
Restart Safari and try accessing the website again.

How to Prevent the Err_Cert_Common_Name_Invalid Error from Occurring

Preventing the Err_Cert_Common_Name_Invalid error from occurring is essential to ensure a secure browsing experience. Here are some tips to prevent the error from occurring:

Ensure that your SSL certificate is valid and matches the domain name or URL of your website.
Use a reputable SSL certificate provider.
Regularly update your SSL certificate to ensure it does not expire.
Keep your web browser updated to the latest version.
Avoid accessing websites with invalid SSL certificates.

Conclusion

The Err_Cert_Common_Name_Invalid error is a common security error message that can occur on any web browser. This error message can be caused by a misconfigured SSL certificate, an outdated browser, or other factors. Fortunately, there are several solutions to fix the error, including deleting the SSL certificate, clearing your browser cache and cookies, and updating your browser to the latest version. By following the steps outlined in this troubleshooting guide, you can fix the Err_Cert_Common_Name_Invalid error and ensure a secure browsing experience.