It’s happening more and more. I keep several extra cases of water on hand, just to be safe.
Unsecure page error: 5 things to try if you get this warning
There are countless threats on the internet, from scams to malware-infested websites. Then there are unsecured websites, which your browser warns you about. If you get a message that says, “Your connection is not private,” you might jolt in alarm.
This error message is meant to protect you while surfing the web. For more ways to stay safe, use this tip to protect yourself in a dangerous digital world. There are many reasons why your browser might say, “Your connection is not private” or “Your connection is not secure.”
Luckily, there are a few ways to solve the issue. So, before worrying about your digital life being endangered, try one of these strategies. Here are five tips that should fix these error messages.
Why this happens
You’re browsing the web, having a grand old time. You click on a link so you can go to a webpage. Then you see this message:
Google Chrome
You’ll see messages like this on browsers, from Chrome to Firefox. It means that your browser can’t verify the SSL certificate of the website you’re trying to visit. In other words, your browser shows you this message when it isn’t sure if the website will securely encrypt your data.
This error message isn’t always a red flag. Here are a few reasons why you might be seeing this error:
- The website’s SSL certificate expired.
- The domain holder never got their SSL certificate.
- It was never set up correctly.
If you own a website, you know that setting these certificates up is difficult. Speaking of which, you should run your site through analytics tests to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Tap or click here for five free online tests.
It’s easy for the owner of a website to make mistakes. Silver lining: There are a few ways to eliminate the error messages. Here are some troubleshooting solutions.
How to fix “Connection is not secure” errors
Scareware 101: How to spot this dangerous cyberattack and protect yourself
Spam is unavoidable: It clutters your phone call history and chokes your email inbox. Like spam, scareware is another annoyance that seems to go hand-in-hand with internet access. It’s why you should never click pop-ups that say your system is at risk.
America's drinking water is under attack
Water systems in Kansas, Texas and Pennsylvania have already been hit by hackers in China, Russia and Iran. Plus, clothes that block 5G waves, AI coming to Alexa, and Walmart’s new digital pricing. We also chat with Joseph Cox about his book “Dark Wire,” which is about Anom, the FBI’s secret app used by criminals.
4 ways the Dark Web can help you (It's not all bad!)
Photo © Prostockstudio | Dreamstime.com
Although the Dark Web is most famous for its seedy underworld connections, there are a few advantages. That’s right: Despite the dangers, there are a few unexpected ways it can make your life easier. For example, circumventing censorship is one of the most significant Dark Web upsides.
PSA: Stop sharing your phone’s address book with apps that ask for it
© Marcel De Grijs | Dreamstime.com
Whether posting a headshot on your LinkedIn profile or uploading a photo to your favorite social media platform, you want to look your best. Anybody can use a camera, but it takes some practice to take a good shot. Tap or click here for five simple tricks to look better in family photos and selfies.
OpenAI rolls out ChatGPT-4o: What to know
It’s much smarter and faster than before, and it will be available for free. Plus, what happens when you’re in the emergency room and your hospital gets hacked? We talk to Zackery Ryan, a patient who was at the hospital during last week’s Ascension cyberattack.
Our hospitals are under attack
This week’s cyberattack on one of the largest health systems in the U.S., Ascension, was bad — really bad. Plus, a controversial Apple iPad ad, more Cybertruck problems, and Roblox adds virtual billboards to the game.
UnitedHealth paid a $22 million ransom
The Change Healthcare data breach occurred due to a lack of multifactor authentication. Are you prepared for cyberattacks?
Glassdoor isn't anonymous after all
That bad review of your boss could reveal your info. Andrew and Allie talk about how cyberattacks hit U.S. water systems, Nvidia’s $9 an hour AI nurse, and the job skills you need to know (yep, they’re related to AI). Plus, tricks to get the best price on your flight!
Cyberattack paralyzes U.S. pharmacies
Can’t fill your prescription? Here’s why, and what you can do about it.
5 silly mistakes putting your online privacy and security at huge risk
© Vilgun1 | Dreamstime.com
There are so many online scams and tricks out there I can’t cover them all on my website and national radio show. I make it my duty to inform you of the tactics bad actors use to fool you.
A great podcast was the episode when I dove into the mind of a hacker. Tap or click to listen to an episode of my podcast, Kim Komando Today, with an IBM social engineer. She spills the secrets hackers use to scare and confuse people.
Windows and Mac security settings to check now
© Chatree Bamrung | Dreamstime.com
It’s never good to go too long without checking your security settings. Now and then, you should brush up on your protections. Whether you use a Mac or a PC, all devices are vulnerable to attacks.
On the bright side, there are tons of built-in features you can take advantage of for your safety. For example, Windows Defender can help protect your PC from lurking threats. However, many native protections might be a bit hard to find on your own.
Here’s what it looks like when a virus takes over your computer
A slow computer can turn you into a detective. You start investigating the clues, trying to find out what happened. You might even Google “How to tell if you have a virus” or “Warning signs your computer is infected.”
Get ready now for Russian cyberattacks
Rising gas prices are just one of many ways the Russian invasion of Ukraine will impact you. Listen to this one-minute episode to find out why you need to brace yourself for cyberattacks, too.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Your data is at risk because of the Ukrainian war
Are you prepared for Putin to attack the world with an onslaught of cyberattacks? Listen now to find out how Denial of Service attacks can hurt you.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Penetration testing on the increase for good reasons
Did you know cyberattacks cost businesses around $200,000 on average? Listen now to protect your company.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
5 clever scams making the rounds you need to know about
© Showface | Dreamstime.com
Another day, another scam. Or should we say scams? There seems to be no end to discovering crooked schemes that use every means imaginable to trick people out of their information, data and finances.
Everyone’s received text messages from unknown numbers. Sometimes it’s a service or business you use that isn’t in your contacts. It could be your food delivery app letting you know that your grub is on the way. It could also be the first step in a scam. Tap or click here to learn how the scheme works and how to keep from falling victim to it.
Anonymous: Who are they and how they work
You’ve probably heard of the hacktivist group Anonymous, but what do you know aside from some famous cyberattacks and those signature masks? Kim dives into everything Anonymous with Dr. Gabriella Coleman, an anthropologist and professor at McGill University. She studies hacktivist groups and tells us what Anonymous is up to these days and how you can help stop the spread of their sensational messages.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices