Common SSL Certificate Errors and How to Fix Them
In today’s digital landscape, securing your website with an SSL certificate is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates encrypt the data exchanged between your website and its visitors, ensuring privacy and security. However, even with an SSL certificate in place, errors can occur, potentially scaring off visitors and harming your website’s credibility.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common SSL certificate errors, their causes, and actionable steps to fix them. Whether you’re a website owner, developer, or IT professional, this guide will help you troubleshoot SSL issues and maintain a secure online presence.
1. SSL Certificate Not Trusted
What It Means:
This error occurs when the browser cannot verify the authenticity of your SSL certificate. Visitors may see a warning message like “Your connection is not private” or “This site’s security certificate is not trusted.”
Common Causes:
- The SSL certificate was issued by an untrusted Certificate Authority (CA).
- The certificate chain is incomplete.
- The certificate has been self-signed instead of being issued by a trusted CA.
How to Fix It:
- Use a Trusted CA: Ensure your SSL certificate is issued by a reputable Certificate Authority, such as DigiCert, GlobalSign, or Let’s Encrypt.
- Install Intermediate Certificates: If your CA provides intermediate certificates, make sure they are properly installed on your server to complete the certificate chain.
- Avoid Self-Signed Certificates: While self-signed certificates are free, they are not trusted by browsers. Invest in a certificate from a recognized CA.
2. SSL Certificate Expired
What It Means:
SSL certificates have a validity period, typically ranging from 90 days to 2 years. If your certificate expires, browsers will flag your site as insecure.
Common Causes:
- The certificate was not renewed before its expiration date.
- Automated renewal processes failed.
How to Fix It:
- Renew Your Certificate: Purchase a new SSL certificate from your CA and install it on your server.
- Enable Auto-Renewal: Many hosting providers and CAs offer auto-renewal options to prevent expiration.
- Set Reminders: If auto-renewal isn’t available, set calendar reminders to renew your certificate before it expires.
3. Mixed Content Warnings
What It Means:
Mixed content occurs when a website served over HTTPS includes resources (e.g., images, scripts, or stylesheets) loaded over HTTP. This weakens the security of your site and triggers browser warnings.
Common Causes:
- Hardcoded HTTP URLs in your website’s code.
- Third-party resources (e.g., ads or widgets) served over HTTP.
How to Fix It:
- Update URLs: Replace all HTTP URLs in your website’s code with HTTPS versions.
- Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN): Ensure your CDN supports HTTPS and serves all resources securely.
- Scan for Mixed Content: Use tools like Why No Padlock or your browser’s developer tools to identify and fix mixed content issues.
4. Incorrect Certificate Name (Common Name Mismatch)
What It Means:
This error occurs when the domain name in the SSL certificate does not match the domain name of the website. For example, if your certificate is issued for www.example.com but your site is accessed via example.com, a mismatch error will occur.
Common Causes:
- The SSL certificate was issued for the wrong domain or subdomain.
- The website is accessible via multiple domain variations (e.g., with and without “www”).
How to Fix It:
- Reissue the Certificate: Obtain a new SSL certificate that includes all domain variations (e.g.,
example.com and www.example.com).
- Use a Wildcard or SAN Certificate: Wildcard certificates cover all subdomains (e.g.,
*.example.com), while SAN (Subject Alternative Name) certificates allow multiple domain names to be secured under one certificate.
- Redirect Traffic: Set up 301 redirects to ensure all traffic is directed to the correct domain.
5. Outdated SSL/TLS Protocol
What It Means:
Older SSL/TLS protocols, such as SSL 2.0, SSL 3.0, and TLS 1.0, are no longer considered secure. If your server uses outdated protocols, modern browsers may block access to your site.
Common Causes:
- The server is configured to use deprecated SSL/TLS versions.
- The hosting provider has not updated their infrastructure.
How to Fix It:
- Update Server Configuration: Configure your server to use the latest TLS version (currently TLS 1.3).
- Check Hosting Provider Support: Ensure your hosting provider supports modern SSL/TLS protocols.
- Test Your Server: Use tools like SSL Labs’ SSL Test to identify outdated protocols and configurations.
6. Revoked SSL Certificate
What It Means:
An SSL certificate can be revoked by the CA if it is compromised or issued incorrectly. Browsers will display a warning that the certificate is no longer valid.
Common Causes:
- The private key associated with the certificate was exposed.
- The CA discovered an issue with the certificate issuance process.
How to Fix It:
- Contact Your CA: Reach out to your Certificate Authority to understand why the certificate was revoked.
- Reissue the Certificate: Obtain a new SSL certificate and ensure the private key is securely stored.
- Monitor Certificate Status: Use tools like Certificate Transparency logs to track the status of your SSL certificates.
7. SSL Handshake Failure
What It Means:
The SSL handshake is the process of establishing a secure connection between the client (browser) and the server. If the handshake fails, the connection cannot be established.
Common Causes:
- Incompatible SSL/TLS versions between the client and server.
- Incorrect server configuration.
- Missing or invalid certificates.
How to Fix It:
- Enable Compatible Protocols: Ensure your server supports a range of SSL/TLS versions to accommodate different clients.
- Verify Server Configuration: Check your server’s SSL settings and ensure the certificate is correctly installed.
- Check for Firewall Issues: Firewalls or network configurations may block the handshake process. Adjust settings as needed.
Final Thoughts
SSL certificate errors can be frustrating, but they are often easy to fix with the right knowledge and tools. By addressing these common issues, you can ensure your website remains secure, trustworthy, and accessible to visitors. Regularly monitor your SSL certificates, keep your server configurations up to date, and stay informed about the latest security practices.
If you’re unsure how to resolve an SSL issue, don’t hesitate to consult your hosting provider or a trusted IT professional. A secure website is essential for building trust and protecting your users’ data—don’t let SSL errors stand in the way of your success.
Need Help with SSL Issues?
If you’re struggling with SSL certificate errors, our team of experts is here to help. Contact us today to ensure your website stays secure and error-free!