Connection Is Not Secure ?

[Gettingonabit]

I have been unable to play Wordle today unless I used a VPN. Without the VPN I got the message this site
ie NY Times is not secure and wouldn't open. It's only started today.
Also for some strange reason Jet 2 holidays wouldn't load either without the VPN. Haven't noticed any other sites having a problem.
I've turned the Virgin router off completely and let it reboot but it didn't change a thing.
Any suggestions?

[Buenchico]

Try clearing your browser's cache and cookies.

[Gromit]

Which browser on which OS or mobile OS?

[Gettingonabit]

Thanks, unfortunately clearing everything was the first thing I did . I should mention it's happening on both my phone and tablet. The Jet2 problem is the same on my husband's phone and tablet too .

[Gettingonabit]

I'm using Google app on Android .

[Gromit]

Android? Apple?

Model? OS version? Browser?

[Buenchico]

That reads like a problem with the DNS server that's used by your ISP. (I suspect that the problem would disappear if you tried accessing the relevant sites from, say, the free wi-fi in Wetherspoons or Costa).

If you feel confident enough, log into your router's setting and change the DNS server to Google Public DNS.
https://developers.google.com/speed/public-dns/docs/using
(Scroll down to 'Routers').

[Gettingonabit]

Thanks Chris, will look at that tomorrow after a good nights sleep.
Thanks Gromit too, I'd answer you if I understood what you were asking. Sorry.

[Buenchico]

^^^ I think that you've already answered Gromit's question but simply cross-posted with him, so that his question then appeared after your answer.

[Gettingonabit]

I logged on to my router but unfortunately it doesn't appear that I will be able to change the DNS address on my Virgin Hub. The first two blocks of three numbers are set, it's only the last two numbers that are changeable.
Will just have to use my VPN.
Thanks for the help.

[CrapAtCryptics]

You dont say which antivirus you use but most have their own quirks.

[barry1010]

I'm with Virgin and just logged in to Wordle without problem.
Have you tried switching WiFi off on your phone and trying with your mobile data?

[Gromit]

Out of interest, what happens when you set the VPN area to London (assuming you live in the UK).
If you live outside the UK, your country may block American newspapers.

[Gettingonabit]

Barry1010, the VPN was on a Manchester server, I changed it to London and both let me connect to Wordle and Jet2. These being the only two at the moment I am aware there is a problem. Tried at your suggestion using mobile data and it connected. I'm PAYG so always use WiFi though.
Gromit, until Friday I didnt have this problem. At the begining of the week I received a message from Virgin saying they were working in our area so we may experience disruption on Friday. Whatever they have done they have messed up.
I've rebooted both router and phone several times but it has made no difference.
Thank you both for your replies.

[barry1010]

It's a puzzle

[Gettingonabit]

It certainly is. Trying to contact Virgin for anything is a nightmare too. Took 3 full days to cancel the TV package.

[Gettingonabit]

Update. At 11.39 I started a WhatsApp chat with Virgin. It ended 13.03 !!! After many questions and instructions to do tests on the Hub that I had already done several times, I was sent this

A traceroute will show the route through internet from the computer to the website.

Using a computer, perform a traceroute to the website which you are having difficulties accessing

Traceroute is a command which can show you the path a packet of information takes from your computer to one you specify. It will list all the routers it passes through until it reaches its destination, or fails to and is discarded. In addition to this, it will tell you how long each 'hop' from router to router takes.

Enter the word tracert, followed by a space, then the domain name. You can use the URL of a website experiencing issues with, or try a known functioning site such as www.bbc.co.uk. For instance tracert www.bbc.co.uk as shown below


Windows
•Select Start > Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt. ◦Or select Start , type CMD in the search box and press Enter

I explained I had no idea what this meant, I didn't understand it and asked why my connection couldn't just be returned to as it was on Thursday. ( I'm curious if any of you experts understand it and what use it would have been to me)
The next message was don't worry I'll refer it to our IT team to look at it and rectify it remotely.
Couldn't believe it, that could have been done an hour previously.
When asked if this was ok, I replied yes, if it actually happens. Should all be up and running in 72 hrs. We will see.

[Buenchico]

As you can't change the DNS settings on your router, try changing them on your phone instead. (The settings used by any individual device always take priority over those configured in a router). The instructions here are nice and clear:
https://gadgets360.com/mobiles/features/how-to-change-dns-server-on-android-1672117
(I've just used them myself to configure my phone to use Google Public DNS, which I've been using with my PC for many years).

[Gettingonabit]

Thanks. I'd been looking at that yesterday, however on my Xiaomi phone I'd have to change the DNS to Private DNS provider hostname. Which would be dns.google according to my research. That is the only option. I wasn't brave enough to try it though.
Will give Virgin the benefit of the doubt and with luck I'll be up and running as normal. If not I'll give it a go. Presume I can reverse the setting if necessary.
Thanks again.