I Keep Getting Security Warnings While I Browse the Web

Security warnings while browsing can be frustrating. In many cases, they are caused by a website that's not configured properly, but there are a few computer and browser settings we can check to ensure the problem isn't happening because of a mistaken setting.

This guide will take you through the basic settings to ensure your computer and your web browser aren't the cause of these security errors. We will check:

• Computer date and time
• Browser cache and cookies
• Browser security settings

To continue, we need to know what Operating System your computer is using.

There are 2 main Operating Systems for personal computers currently available, Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS.

Microsoft Windows	Apple macOS
Microsoft Windows runs on computers produced by multiple companies, such as Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Toshiba, Hewlett Packard, Acer, and Sony.	Apple is the only company that makes macOS computers.

Before your restart or shut down your PC, make sure to save all necessary work to prevent data loss.

• Using the Mouse

  1. Select the Start menu.
     
     

     By default it is in the lower left corner of your screen.

  2. Select Power, then select Restart.
     

• Using the Keyboard

  1. Press the Windows and X keys at the same time. This minimizes any open windows you may have.
     
  2. Press the Alt and F4 keys at the same time. This tells Windows to close the desktop.
     
  3. Select Restart, then OK.
     

1. Look at the date and time displayed at the far end of your Task Bar.
   This is usually at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
   

1. Open your browser, and visit the website you had problems with at the start.
   • On a Desktop or Laptop, look for one of these icons:
     
   • On a Smartphone or Tablet, look for one of these icons:
     
2. Make sure the page loads properly, and try following a few of the links from the page.

To continue we need to know which browser you are using.

The easiest way to determine this is by the icon you double-clicked on to open it.

Internet Explorer	Microsoft Edge	Google Chrome	Mozilla Firefox

The icons for Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge are similar, but not the same. Be sure of which one you are choosing by looking at the text beneath it, or the text note that pops up before you click on it.

1. Open Internet Explorer.
   
2. Select the Gear icon in the top-right corner, then select Internet options.
   
3. Under Browsing history, select Delete.
   
4. Go through the list of options here, to ensure the proper items are cleared.
   Once you have chosen your options, select Delete.
   
   

   Setting	Checkbox
   Preserve Favorites website data	Unchecked
   Internet Explorer segments out pages you have marked as favorites. We need to be sure to clear all data, not just some of it.
   Temporary Internet files and website files	Checked
   This clears your cache, making your browser get a new copy of the webpage, images, etc. It's important to clear this to get a fresh copy the next time you visit, as the copy your browser has may simply be corrupt.
   Cookies and website data	Checked
   Cookies are how websites 'know' you when you visit them multiple times. This file can become corrupt, and simply downloading a new one can fix many problems. You will have to log back into any pages you use, such as mail or social media.
   History	Checked
   While you browse Your browser will keep track of every page you visit, to try to make it easier to return. This can become corrupt due to modern active web pages.
   Download History	Personal Choice
   These are a list of files you've downloaded recently. It is entirely safe to delete, or keep this list, as it won't affect pages. Checking this option does not delete the files you've downloaded, just the list the browser keeps.
   Form Data	Unchecked
   Information from entering forms online, such as your name, address, or other filled-in information. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.
   Passwords	Unchecked
   Your browser will save your passwords while you browse, making it easier to log into your most common websites later. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.
   Tracking Protection, ActiveX filtering and Do Not Track	Personal Choice
   A number of pages will track your use of those pages, and if you've opted out of such tracking. This setting tends not to be well-respected from page to page, and some pages simply do not give you the option. While it can affect how a page is displayed, it will only do so in the advertising or other 'personalized content' on that page; not the page itself. It is okay to check or uncheck this option.

    
5. When complete, a message will open at the bottom of your browser letting you know the history has been deleted.
   
   It can take quite a while to delete the cache and history, please be patient.

Checking the security-related settings in Internet Explorer can help resolve these problems.

1. Open Internet Explorer.
   
2. Select the Gear icon in the top-right corner, then select Internet options.
   
3. Select the Security tab at the top. Then, make sure Internet is selected for zone, and choose the Default level of Medium-high.
   
4. Select the Content tab at the top. Then, select Clear SSL state.
   
5. A box will open letting you know the SSL cache was cleared. Select OK.
   
6. Select the Advanced tab at the top. Scroll to the bottom of the long list of settings. Make sure Use TLS 1.0, Use TLS 1.1, and Use TLS 1.2 are checked. Then, select OK.
   

1. Open your browser, and visit the website you had problems with at the start.
   • On a Desktop or Laptop, look for one of these icons:
     
   • On a Smartphone or Tablet, look for one of these icons:
     
2. Make sure the page loads properly, and try following a few of the links from the page.

The issue you are experiencing may not be due to an internet or website issue. It may actually be an issue with the web browser you are using. Depending on your device and what is currently installed, you may have a backup or alternative web browser available.

1. Check your device to see if there is a different web browser available.
   • On a Desktop or Laptop, look for one of these icons:
     
   • On a Smartphone or Tablet, look for one of these icons:
     
2. If you have access to a different browser, try using it to access the website you've having difficulty reaching.

The webpage you are trying to reach is not compatible with Internet Explorer.

Microsoft is discontinuing Internet Explorer. You can try contacting the website developer to make their page compatible with Internet Explorer, but that will be unlikely.

A simpler solution is to use your other browser for access to the page.

1. Open your browser.
   • On a Desktop or Laptop, look for one of these icons:
     
   • On a Smartphone or Tablet, look for one of these icons:
     
2. In the address bar at the top, type in google.com, then push Enter or Return.
   
3. Make sure the Google page comes up. Type in something to search for, and select Google Search.
   
4. Make sure your search results come up.
   

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
   
2. Select the Menu in the top-right corner, then select Settings.
   
3. Click the Choose what to clear button.
   
4. Select the item categories you wish to clear.
   
   
   

   Setting	Checkbox
   Browsing History	Checked
   While you browse Your browser will keep track of every page you visit, to try to make it easier to return. This can become corrupt due to modern active web pages.
   Cookies and saved website data	Checked
   This clears your cache, making your browser get a new copy of the webpage, images, etc. It's important to clear this to get a fresh copy the next time you visit, as the copy your browser has may simply be corrupt. You will have to log back into any pages you use, such as mail or social media.
   Cached data and files	Checked
   This clears your cache, making your browser get a new copy of the webpage, images, etc. It's important to clear this to get a fresh copy the next time you visit, as the copy your browser has may simply be corrupt.
   Tabs I've set aside or recently closed	Checked
   This clears tabs that you have set aside, as well as tabs that you've recently closed.
   Download History	Personal Choice
   These are a list of files you've downloaded recently. It is entirely safe to delete, or keep this list, as it won't affect pages. Checking this option does not delete the files you've downloaded, just the list the browser keeps.
   Form Data	Unchecked
   Information from entering forms online, such as your name, address, or other filled-in information. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.
   Passwords	Unchecked
   Your browser will save your passwords while you browse, making it easier to log into your most common websites later. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.
   Media Licenses	Unchecked
   Clears any saved media licenses.  These are typically used for streaming sites that you may have purchased content from.
   Website Permissions	Unchecked
   Clears any permission granted to web sites.  These permissions include permissions to access your audio devices such as your mic,and location services.

    
5. Click the Clear button.
   

1. Open your browser, and visit the website you had problems with at the start.
   • On a Desktop or Laptop, look for one of these icons:
     
   • On a Smartphone or Tablet, look for one of these icons:
     
2. Make sure the page loads properly, and try following a few of the links from the page.

The issue you are experiencing may not be due to an internet or website issue. It may actually be an issue with the web browser you are using. Depending on your device and what is currently installed, you may have a backup or alternative web browser available.

1. Check your device to see if there is a different web browser available.
   • On a Desktop or Laptop, look for one of these icons:
     
   • On a Smartphone or Tablet, look for one of these icons:
     
2. If you have access to a different browser, try using it to access the website you've having difficulty reaching.

1. Open Google Chrome.
   
2. Select the Menu button located in the top right corner of the window.
   
3. Select Settings.
   
   
4. Scroll to the bottom of the page, then select Advanced.
   
5. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
   
6. Remain on the "Basic" tab. For "Time range," select All time. Make sure all three check boxes are checked, then select Clear data.
   
   

   Setting	Checkbox
   Browsing History	Checked
   Clears the history and autocompletions in the address bar.
   Cookies and other site data	Checked
   Cookies are how websites 'know' you when you visit them multiple times. This file can become corrupt, and simply downloading a new one can fix many problems. You will have to log back into any pages you use, such as mail or social media
   Cached images and files	Checked
   This clears your cache, making your browser get a new copy of the webpage, images, etc. It's important to clear this to get a fresh copy the next time you visit, as the copy your browser has may simply be corrupt.

1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
   
2. Click the Menu button in the top right of the screen.
   
3. Click on Options.
   
4. Click on Privacy & Security.
   
5. Click the Clear History button located unther the History category.
   
6. Select the time range you wish to clear.
   
7. Click the Details button to expand them.
   
8. Choose the item categories you wish to clear.
   
   

   Setting	Checkbox
   Browsing & Download History	Checked
   Browsing History - While you browse Your browser will keep track of every page you visit, to try to make it easier to return. This can become corrupt due to modern active web pages. Download History -  These are a list of files you've downloaded recently. It is entirely safe to delete, or keep this list, as it won't affect pages. Checking this option does not delete the files you've downloaded, just the list the browser keeps.
   Form & Search History	Checked
   Information from entering forms online, such as your name, address, or other filled-in information. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.
   Cookies	Checked
   Cookies are how websites 'know' you when you visit them multiple times. This file can become corrupt, and simply downloading a new one can fix many problems. You will have to log back into any pages you use, such as mail or social media.
   Active Logins	Checked
   Active logins are sites that you are currently logged into that you have asked to remember that you are logged into. Clearing them just logs you out of these sites.
   Offline Website Data	Unchecked
   If you've allowed it, a website can store files on your computer so that you can continue to use it when you are not connected to the Internet.
   Site Preferences	Unchecked
   Site-specific preferences, including the saved zoom level for sites, character encoding, and the permissions for sites.

    
9. Click the Clear Now button.
   

If you notice that your Date and Time keeps becoming unsynced, you should speak to your computer manufacturer about replacing your CMOS battery.

1. From the menu bar across the top of the screen, select the Apple menu (1), then select Restart... (2).
   

Any unsaved work will be lost.

1. Select the time display in the top-right corner of your screen. This will display the date and time set on your computer.
2. Make sure both the date and time are correct.
   

1. Open your browser, and visit the website you had problems with at the start.
   • On a Desktop or Laptop, look for one of these icons:
     
   • On a Smartphone or Tablet, look for one of these icons:
     
2. Make sure the page loads properly, and try following a few of the links from the page.

To continue we need to know which browser you are using.

The easiest way to determine this is by the icon you clicked on to open it.

Apple Safari	Google Chrome	Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Safari.
   
2. Select the Safari menu, then select Clear History.
   
3. Select Clear all history, then select Clear History.
   

1. Open Google Chrome.
   
2. Select the Menu button located in the top right corner of the window.
   
3. Select Settings.
   
   
4. Scroll to the bottom of the page, then select Advanced.
   
5. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
   
6. Remain on the "Basic" tab. For "Time range," select All time. Make sure all three check boxes are checked, then select Clear data.
   
   

   Setting	Checkbox
   Browsing History	Checked
   Clears the history and autocompletions in the address bar.
   Cookies and other site data	Checked
   Cookies are how websites 'know' you when you visit them multiple times. This file can become corrupt, and simply downloading a new one can fix many problems. You will have to log back into any pages you use, such as mail or social media
   Cached images and files	Checked
   This clears your cache, making your browser get a new copy of the webpage, images, etc. It's important to clear this to get a fresh copy the next time you visit, as the copy your browser has may simply be corrupt.

1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
   
2. Click the Menu button in the top right of the screen.
   
3. Click on Options.
   
4. Click on Privacy & Security.
   
5. Click the Clear History button located unther the History category.
   
6. Select the time range you wish to clear.
   
7. Click the Details button to expand them.
   
8. Choose the item categories you wish to clear.
   
   

   Setting	Checkbox
   Browsing & Download History	Checked
   Browsing History - While you browse Your browser will keep track of every page you visit, to try to make it easier to return. This can become corrupt due to modern active web pages. Download History -  These are a list of files you've downloaded recently. It is entirely safe to delete, or keep this list, as it won't affect pages. Checking this option does not delete the files you've downloaded, just the list the browser keeps.
   Form & Search History	Checked
   Information from entering forms online, such as your name, address, or other filled-in information. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.
   Cookies	Checked
   Cookies are how websites 'know' you when you visit them multiple times. This file can become corrupt, and simply downloading a new one can fix many problems. You will have to log back into any pages you use, such as mail or social media.
   Active Logins	Checked
   Active logins are sites that you are currently logged into that you have asked to remember that you are logged into. Clearing them just logs you out of these sites.
   Offline Website Data	Unchecked
   If you've allowed it, a website can store files on your computer so that you can continue to use it when you are not connected to the Internet.
   Site Preferences	Unchecked
   Site-specific preferences, including the saved zoom level for sites, character encoding, and the permissions for sites.

    
9. Click the Clear Now button.
   

If you notice that your Date and Time keeps becoming unsynced, you should speak to Apple about replacing your CMOS battery.

1. Select the time display in the top-right corner of your screen, then select Open Date & Time Preferences.
   
2. Select the lock in the bottom-left corner to make changes.
   
3. Enter your Mac's username and password, then select Unlock.
   
4. In most cases, letting your Mac take care of setting the time is the best choice.
   • Make sure there is a check for Set date and time automatically, and make sure a time server close to you is chosen.
     
5. If you want, you can set the time manually.
   • Remove the check for Set date and time automatically, then enter the correct date and time. Then select Save.
     
6. Select Time Zone, then select your closest region on the map, and refine it by choosing the city you are in, or the city closest to you, from the list below.