SSL certificates are commonly used on millions of websites – they ensure the confidentiality of data transmitted to servers, thereby providing users with a high level of security. As with all complex technological solutions, various issues may arise during the implementation and usage of such protocols. Usually, they take the form of error messages displayed in users’ browsers. Which SSL problems occur most frequently, and how can they be resolved?
Modern web browsers are being developed with increasing care. They have their own proven security solutions that significantly enhance user protection. When any serious error is detected on a website, in the system, or on the server, a corresponding message is immediately displayed in the browser window. If a website is not protected by an SSL certificate, it is flagged as unsafe. However, problems can also occur when the appropriate protocol is theoretically in place. Most SSL connection errors result from a misconfiguration of certificates, which is usually the responsibility of website administrators. If the user is certain that the site is authentic, they may still want to continue using it despite the error message. Some issues can be resolved independently, while others require contacting the administrator directly for assistance. Fixing such errors is crucial not only for users, but above all for website owners.
Preventing a Secure or Private Connection
A message stating that a secure connection cannot be established is a very common error encountered by users. An invalid response may appear, for example, as “ERR_SSL_FALLBACK_BEYOND_MINIMUM_VERSION”. This indicates that the browser is unable to resolve the issue on its own, so the website administrator must verify the SSL certificate configuration on the server. If the connection is not private, the “NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID” or “ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID” message will appear. In that case, the SSL certificate was probably generated for a different domain or website. To access a page with this type of error, you must manually allow the connection – for instance, in Google Chrome, go to “Advanced” -> “Proceed to site”.
Issues with the Clock, Public Key, and Website Availability
Notifications about an allegedly incorrect clock mean that the device’s time is running fast or slow. The “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID” message suggests verifying the time and date on your computer, phone, or other device. If simply updating these settings does not work, you can do it in various ways – for example, via a dedicated webpage for time configuration. Another issue is the detection of a weak, temporary public key on the site. The “ERR_SSL_WEAK_EPHEMERAL_DH_KEY” message indicates that the security code is outdated. Only the administrator of the given service can fix this error. It may also be the case that the website is simply unavailable. The “ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH” error message indicates that the website’s security settings have been configured incorrectly. This issue can also only be resolved by the site’s administrator.