I keep getting messages that say "This site is not secure" when trying to access AU Library resources. What should I do?
Answer
When accessing some databases through the AU Library, you may encounter screens with messages such as:
- "There is a problem with this website's security certificate";
- "Your connection is not secure"; or,
- "Your connection is not private".
These warnings will come up when going to sites that use “secure authentication”, or start with “https://”. In these cases, there is really not a problem; it is just that current web browsers are not programmed to interpret the URLs that we have to use in order for users to access secure sites through our proxy server.
Usually clicking "advaced" and then selecting the bypass/proceed multiple times does eventually work and load the database. You can find more instructions on bypassing the not secure notice here. Sometimes you have to go and click the link a few more times also.
Sometimes it will take you to an additional AUPAC login, this is not what you want, the only login you should see is the MyAU you (there’s some screenshots in here for reference).
Please email IT to report the issue: helpdesk@athabascau.ca
If you are unable to bypass or stuck in the wrong login please try clicking the link again, here are a few additional workarounds that may help:
- Make sure you are logged out of any other library logins you use
- Start by clearing your cache and cookies.
- Make sure you are going to the library website directly and not trying to enter it from one of your course websites.
- Try clicking the link a second time
- If this does not work try a new “private" or "incognito" mode
- Try a different web browser, different platforms work better on different browsers so sometimes trying both Chrome and Firefox can be useful.
- Make sure the browser you are using is up to date.