How to Set Up Your Browser to not Generate Security Warnings from GSICS Wiki

The basis of this guide comes thanks to SolarWinds.

Issue:

The GSICS Wiki uses a secured https connection using self-signed certificates from NOAA, which may trigger an "Untrusted Connection" error.

Resolution:

Each browser handles security differently. In Firefox, you can create a permanent exception. In Chrome or Internet Explorer you must install the certificate in your trusted certificates store.

Both Chrome and Internet Explorer use the Trusted Root Certification Authorities store when verifying certificates. If you have performed the steps to install the certificate for either Internet Explorer or Chrome, you do not have to perform the same steps again to use either browser.

Note: You must close all instances of your Internet Explorer or Chrome and completely clear your cache.

To create a permanent exception for Firefox:

1. Open a browser to the GSICS Wiki.
2. When the error occurs, expand I Understand the Risks.
3. Click Add Exception.
4. When prompted, click Confirm Security Exception.

To install the certificate at a trusted certificate with Internet Explorer:

1. Open a browser to the GSICS Wiki.
2. When the error occurs, click Continue to the website (not recommended).
3. In the address bar, click Certificate Error.
4. Click View Certificates
5. In the General tab, click Install Certificate…
6. Click Next.
7. Select Place all certificates in the following store, and click Browse.
8. Select Trusted Root Certification Authorities, and click OK.
9. Click Next.
10. Click Finish.
11. When prompted to confirm installation, select Yes.
12. Close the tab, and restart Internet Explorer.

To install the certificate at a trusted certificate with Chrome:

1. Open a browser to the GSICS Wiki.
2. When the error occurs, click Proceed Anyway.
3. In the address bar, click the lock icon to view the site information.
4. On the Connections tab, click Certificate Information.
5. On the Details tab, click Copy to File…
6. Click Next.
7. Select DER encoded binary X.509 (.CER), and click Next.
8. Enter a file name. By default Chrome saves the certificate in a hidden file in\Users\username\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\Applications\...
   If you do not want to make hidden files visible, browse to a different location to save the certificate.
9. Click Next.
10. Check the location of the certificate, and click Finish.
11. In Chrome, open Settings > Advanced Settings, and click Manage certificates…
12. Navigate to the Trusted Root Certification Authorities tab.
13. Click Import.
14. Click Next.
15. Browse to the certificate you exported, and click Next.
16. Select Place all certificates in the following store, and select Trusted Root Certification Authorities.
17. Click Next, and then click Finish.
18. When prompted, select Yes.
19. Close the tab and restart Chrome.

-- TimHewison - 09 Sep 2014