Why does my phone say ‘not secure, go to proxy’ when I log in to apps?

When I log in to apps, my phone warns me that the connection is ‘not secure’ and advises me to go to a proxy. It’s somewhat alarming because I rely heavily on these apps for daily tasks, from banking to social media. This message pops up consistently, raising concerns about the safety of my personal information. I’m not quite sure what the ‘not secure’ warning specifically refers to, and the mention of a proxy confuses me even more. It makes me wonder if there’s an underlying issue with my network settings or the security protocols of the apps themselves. Since I haven’t altered any significant settings recently, this situation has left me puzzled and a bit anxious about using my phone for essential services without compromising my security.
4 Answers

- First, ensure your app is updated.
- Check if your phone’s date and time settings are correct; discrepancies can cause security certificate errors.
- Test the app on different networks to rule out network-specific problems.
- If possible, access the app’s functionalities through a web browser to see if similar warnings occur.
Additionally, resetting your network settings could help resolve these warnings. Your phone’s suggestion to use a proxy indicates your mobile network’s security configurations might be contributing to the problem.

The warning indicates a failure in the SSL/TLS handshake process, essential for secure communication between your device and the app. I recommend verifying the app’s permissions and SSL certificates. If the app’s certificate is out-of-date or improperly configured, the phone will flag it as insecure. This is why using a proxy server, which can act as an intermediary to ensure the connection is secure, is advisable. Consulting the app’s official support or help center can provide clarity on whether the issue is widespread or specific to your network settings.

The ‘not secure’ warning usually appears when an app fails to establish a secure connection using HTTPS. By default, your phone expects all modern applications to use HTTPS for encrypted communication. If the app uses HTTP or has an invalid security certificate, the warning is triggered. The prompt to use a proxy server is an alternative to secure your connection as a proxy can encrypt the traffic. Ensure your apps are regularly updated, as outdated software is more prone to security issues.

The security alert you receive suggests that the server configurations of the app you’re using are outdated or improperly implemented. Modern phones are designed to detect security risks and recommend safer options. A proxy server, which encrypts and secures your data in transit, offers a secure alternative. Until the app developers address the issue, avoid inputting sensitive information. Keeping your phone’s operating system updated also enhances its ability to handle such alerts effectively. Regular updates ensure better protection against an array of threats, reinforcing the phone’s capacity for security.