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How to Solve Security Errors Code on Secure website?
By Crumb Peter
June 17, 2021
SSL Certificate

How to Solve Security Errors Code on Secure website?

Encountering security errors while browsing websites can be frustrating, especially when trying to access secure sites that require SSL certificates. These errors usually prevent you from accessing the content, and can often appear when the website’s security configuration is incorrect or when there’s an issue with your browser or network. However, understanding the reasons behind these errors can help you resolve them quickly and ensure that you can continue browsing securely.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go over some of the most common security errors you might encounter on secure websites and how to fix them. We’ll also cover troubleshooting tips and best practices for preventing these issues from happening again.

Common Security Errors on Secure Websites

1. ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR

This error indicates that your browser is unable to establish a secure connection with the server. It is usually caused by outdated SSL/TLS protocols, misconfigurations on the server, or issues with your browser.

Fixing ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR:

  • Update your browser: Make sure you’re using the latest version of Chrome or other browsers.
  • Check your system date and time settings: Incorrect time can cause SSL errors.
  • Clear SSL state in your browser: Go to your browser settings and clear SSL cache or stored certificates.
  • Disable QUIC protocol: In Chrome, go to chrome://flags and disable the “Experimental QUIC protocol.”
  • Check the server’s SSL/TLS configuration: Ensure that only TLS 1.2 or TLS 1.3 is enabled and SSL 3.0, TLS 1.0, or TLS 1.1 are disabled.

2. SEC_ERROR_EXPIRED_CERTIFICATE

This error occurs when a website’s SSL certificate has expired and can no longer ensure a secure connection. You’ll often see this warning when trying to access a website that hasn’t updated its SSL certificate in time.

Fixing SEC_ERROR_EXPIRED_CERTIFICATE:

  • Check the SSL certificate expiration date: If you’re the website administrator, renew the certificate through your Certificate Authority (CA).
  • Clear browser cache and SSL state: Sometimes the browser retains old certificate data.
  • Update the website’s certificate: If you’re the site admin, replace the expired certificate with a new, valid one.
  • Check for intermediate certificate issues: Ensure that the full certificate chain (including intermediate certificates) is correctly configured.

3. ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID

This error indicates that the SSL certificate being used is not issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). This can occur if the certificate is self-signed or issued by an unrecognized authority.

Fixing ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID:

  • Verify the Certificate: If you are the site admin, ensure that the SSL certificate is issued by a trusted CA.
  • Install the correct root certificate: Make sure that the full certificate chain (root, intermediate, and server certificates) is properly installed on your server.
  • Update your CA bundle: If the certificate authority is not trusted, you might need to update your CA bundle or switch to a recognized one.
  • Use a trusted certificate provider: Avoid using self-signed certificates for production websites.

4. SSL_ERROR_RX_RECORD_TOO_LONG

This error typically occurs when the server is not configured correctly for SSL. It can happen if the server expects HTTPS traffic but is configured to handle HTTP traffic, causing an SSL handshake failure.

Fixing SSL_ERROR_RX_RECORD_TOO_LONG:

  • Ensure your server is listening on the correct port: Make sure your server is correctly set to use port 443 for HTTPS traffic and port 80 for HTTP.
  • Check your SSL configuration: If you’re the website administrator, ensure your server is configured to handle SSL requests properly.
  • Clear SSL state in the browser: Sometimes cached SSL configurations can cause issues. Clear it and try again.

5. ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID

This error indicates that the common name (CN) in the SSL certificate doesn’t match the domain name of the website you are trying to visit.

Fixing ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID:

  • Check for typos in the URL: Ensure that the URL you are typing exactly matches the domain name on the SSL certificate.
  • Update the SSL certificate: If you are the website admin, make sure the SSL certificate is issued for the correct domain and includes all subdomains if needed (use a wildcard SSL certificate if necessary).
  • Use Subject Alternative Names (SANs): A SAN allows multiple domain names to be secured under a single SSL certificate.

6. Mixed Content Errors

This occurs when a secure (HTTPS) website tries to load insecure (HTTP) resources like images, JavaScript files, or stylesheets. This could make your website vulnerable to man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.

Fixing Mixed Content Errors:

  • Force HTTPS for all resources: Ensure that all resources (scripts, styles, images) are being loaded over HTTPS.
  • Update hard-coded HTTP links: Replace any http:// links in your code with https://.
  • Use Content Security Policy (CSP): Implement a CSP header that forces browsers to load content only from secure origins.
  • Update your website’s code: Ensure that all your internal links, including scripts and media, are securely loaded via HTTPS.

7. ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH

This error typically occurs when there is a mismatch in the SSL/TLS version or cipher suites used by the client and server. The browser may be trying to use an unsupported SSL/TLS version or cipher suite that is no longer considered secure.

Fixing ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH:

  • Update your server’s SSL/TLS configuration: Ensure that your server supports modern SSL/TLS protocols such as TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3.
  • Disable old SSL versions: Make sure that SSLv3 and TLS 1.0/1.1 are disabled on your server.
  • Update your website’s cipher suites: Ensure that your server is configured to use strong cipher suites like AES256-GCM and ECDHE.
  • Check your browser’s supported SSL/TLS versions: If you’re using an outdated browser, update it to the latest version.

How to Fix Security Errors as a User

As a user, security errors can be concerning, but there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve them:

1. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Old cache files or cookies can sometimes cause SSL errors. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies to ensure that outdated files don’t interfere with the SSL handshake.

Steps:

  • Open your browser and go to Settings.
  • Find Privacy and Security, then click on Clear browsing data.
  • Choose to clear cached images, cookies, and other site data.
  • Reload the website.

2. Try a Different Browser

Sometimes, browser-specific issues can trigger security errors. Try using another browser (e.g., Firefox, Safari) to see if the problem persists. This can help you determine whether the issue is with the website or your browser.

3. Disable Antivirus or Firewall

Certain security software, such as antivirus programs or firewalls, can interfere with SSL connections. Temporarily disable them and check if you can access the website.

4. Update Your Operating System and Browser

Outdated versions of browsers or operating systems may lack support for the latest SSL/TLS protocols. Ensure both are up-to-date to avoid security errors.

How to Fix Security Errors as a Website Administrator

If you’re a website administrator facing security errors on your website, here are some steps you can take:

1. Install/Update SSL Certificates

Ensure your website has a valid SSL certificate installed and that it’s correctly configured. Regularly check your certificates for expiration dates and renew them on time.

2. Check Your Server Configuration

Review your server’s SSL/TLS configuration to ensure it supports modern protocols like TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3. Remove outdated SSL protocols (such as SSL 3.0 and TLS 1.0) and weak cipher suites.

3. Enable HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS)

HSTS ensures that browsers automatically enforce HTTPS connections with your website. This can help prevent mixed content errors and other SSL/TLS issues.

Conclusion

Security errors on secure websites can arise for various reasons, including expired certificates, misconfigurations, or outdated browser versions. By following the steps outlined above, you can troubleshoot and resolve many common security errors, both as a user and as a website administrator.

Ensuring that your server uses up-to-date SSL/TLS protocols and that your browser is fully updated will significantly reduce the chances of encountering these errors in the future. By adhering to best practices for SSL configuration, you can create a more secure browsing experience for everyone.

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Crumb Peter
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    Crumb Peter is a passionate cyber security enthusiast, driven by a constant desire to stay ahead of the curve in this ever-evolving landscape. With an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Crumb actively seeks out and absorbs new advancements in the web and cyber security niche.