Get a sweet note in your inbox with a digital gift card attached? Stay alert. It could be a scam.
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
Looking for work? 5 mistakes that will hurt your chances of getting hired
Social media is a place where we can loosen up a little. You can post jokes, silly pictures, or whatever on Instagram, X, Facebook and more. Unlike most social media sites, our sponsor, LinkedIn, is pretty buttoned-up.
🚨 Takeover fraud: A Colorado couple lost $3,700 after a scammer broke into their AT&T account and bought an iPad, iPhone, smartwatch and headphones. How? The crooks gained access to the couple’s login details. Keep an eye out for fake login links and impersonation calls. PSA: AT&T will never call you to lock down your account.
Scammers are targeting teens – Warn your Gen Zer about these tricks
© Tero Vesalainen | Dreamstime.com
I told you about the 14-year-old who committed suicide after following the advice of an AI chatbot. Another family is suing the same one — Character AI — after it told an autistic 14-year-old to kill his parents. It also exposed an 11-year-old to sexual content.
5 clever tricks holiday scammers use
© Oleksandr Voloshyn | Dreamstime.com
JD in Dallas emailed me with a story. He and his wife were at the mall and stopped for a Christmas selfie. Two young men walking by offered to take the pic for them — and one kept wiping the phone’s lens inside his jacket.
A scam for the holidays: “Card declined” messages are all over scammy retail sites. It’s a trick to get you to pay twice so they can steal twice the card details. Before you check out, make sure the site’s URL starts with “https” (don’t skip the -s!). My trick: Save more money shopping online with the Upside app. Use promo code KIM so they know I sent ya.
An offer you should refuse: “Gamified” job scams start with a random text or WhatsApp message asking you to do online tasks for money. You might even see some profits before they ask you for money, promising big returns. This trick made up almost 40% of job scam reports this year, with $41 million lost in just the first half of 2024. Oof.
Shopping scams are getting nastier: One victim in Maryland was tricked into paying a fake $0.99 “redelivery fee” and ended up losing $400. USPS and other shipping companies won’t add a shipping charge after the fact. These scams usually come via text, so watch out.
Bank fraud is rising – How to protect yourself
© Dragan Andrii | Dreamstime.com
The scams don’t stop — and here’s another one you need to know about. Your phone rings. It’s a rep from your bank, and they’re warning your account has been compromised. You’re smart, so you immediately suspect it’s a scam.
Small-biz tip: Don't overlook this digital danger
Photo © Megaflopp | Dreamstime.com
Are you the type of business owner who forgets about ex-employees as soon as they’re gone? Failing to remove former employees’ access to your systems and data could lead to security breaches. Don’t let poor offboarding practices be the weak link in your cybersecurity chain.
Secret Santa scam
A viral gift exchange claims you’ll get 36 presents for the price of one, but it’s too good to be true. Here’s how this pyramid scheme leaves most people empty-handed.
Holiday package scam alert
Scammers are posing as delivery services with fake package problems. One wrong click, and they’ll swipe your passwords. Here’s how to stop them.
Top #1 holiday scam: fake iPhone 16 Pro giveaway
Cybercriminals are targeting holiday shoppers with a fake ‘free iPhone’ scam that can steal your financial data. Here’s how to stay safe.
iPhone digital wallet attack
Cybercriminals are zeroing in on iPhone users with fake Apple emails, tricking them into handing over credit card info. Here’s how to spot the scam and stay protected.
The fight that broke Netflix
Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul pulled in 60 million viewers. Paul claimed the win, but the real champ was Netflix. Also coming up: a robot dog patrolling Mar-a-Lago, a QR code email scam warning, and Kim’s chat with NordPass VP Gerald Kasulis about the shocking passwords people still use and how a password manager can save the day.
Area codes and numbers that are probably spam
© Kukurund | Dreamstime.com
Whew, the election’s over. The onslaught of robocalls and texts is over, too … right? Nope.
There are fewer political calls and messages, sure, but there are always scammers and spammers. It may be easier for these creeps to get a hold of us now that our phones aren’t constantly lighting up with election-related notifications.
Best way to stop spam texts for good
© Fizkes | Dreamstime.com
“Official notice from USPS. Your delivery is on hold.” I wonder why …
“Hi, how are you?” Who could this be?
3 security steps every small business needs to take right now
© Denisismagilov | Dreamstime.com
Business accounts can be hacked as easily as personal accounts. Imagine all your hard work being held at ransom by a hacker or your data falling into the hands of someone who can sell it to the competition.
You need to secure your business as best you can, and here are three crucial tips to get started. This tip is brought to you by our sponsor, NetSuite.
5 things you should never put on a resume
In life, few rewards come without risk. Take your dream job, for instance. If you want to land that position you’ve been dreaming about, you’ll need to make a great first impression.
When you’re applying for jobs, that all comes down to your resume. Every little detail makes a big difference. For example, a small mistake could take you out of the running for a job you’re qualified for.