Fix SSL Connection Errors in Chrome

There are some deep technical aspects about the SSL connection errors en Google Chrome, which require some knowledge from the user. It is necessary to have sufficient knowledge because it is a very common occurrence for any user of Google Chrome. In this article, we will discuss the possible reasons behind SSL connection errors that occur in the Chrome browser.

What is SSL certificate?

The main purpose of an SSL certificate is to secure the communication between the server and the client that is using it. In that case, all the data that is transferred and used is encrypted with the help of cryptographic algorithms. These are not accessible to other parties and no one can breach this area.

These SSL certificates have become a common occurrence for any Chrome user because the Google company is very concerned about the security of its users. Users these days demand security to protect themselves from all the problems that may arise from third parties.

Even if there is a single error on a particular website, the Chrome browser will display an SSL certificate error. This error should not be ignored and should be kept in mind whenever it is displayed on your Chrome browser. Sometimes, the error that a user may receive on Google Chrome states: » Unable to connect to real.com domain".

Reasons for SSL connection errors

There are numerous reasons for these errors to appear, which are detailed below.

1. The time displayed on your computer system is not the correct or actual time.
2. Your SSL certificate date has expired.
3. It is possible that the SSL certificate has not been installed correctly and accurately.
4. Your Google Chrome browser is out of date.
5. Sometimes antivirus software blocks HTTPS sites.
6. The website has a previous 128-bit encryption.
7. The website still uses the outdated SHA-1 algorithm.
8. The SSL certificate has not been issued by a trusted certificate authority.

How to fix SSL connection errors?

Google Chrome has become the most used internet browser since its launch in September 2008. It has surpassed Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and also Opera Mini. This is because users enjoy its simplicity and precision when browsing. It is also the most secure browser in the world.

Therefore, it is safe to assume that the Chrome browser offers security, protection, and speed. However, SSL connection errors are also common and here we are going to show you some solutions:

1.- Confirm the date and time of your PC

When your computer system is running on inaccurate time, you will get an error message on Google Chrome. You can easily get rid of this error, just change the time on your computer system according to the country location.

2.- Check the expiration of the certificate

If an SSL certificate has expired, it can cause a lot of harm in terms of security to the user. If you are the administrator of this particular website, you can easily renew or purchase it. In case you are not the administrator, you will just need to contact the administrator of that particular website and explain this issue to them.

3.- Make sure SSL has been installed correctly.

To run a particular website safely on the Internet, proper installation is required. Proper installation means that you will not have to experience any errors on the browsers.

The solution to this problem is that the website administrator needs to install the SSL certificate properly on the hosted server. Once the installation process is complete, use the SSL Checker tool to examine the SSL errors.

4.- Use an updated version of Google Chrome.

If you are a user and you receive the message that Chrome is out of date, you should click on Options >> About Google Chrome, where you will be prompted to update to the older version, if any is found.

5.- Disable SSL scanning from the antivirus

If you are using an antivirus software, you may get an SSL connection error. In reality, the antivirus program is meant to block unsafe websites and it is not accurate. Sometimes, it blocks secure HTTPS websites due to conflicts between encryption and programs. To avoid such circumstances, you need to make a change in the settings to disable the HTTPS scanning feature of your software.

6.- Enable stronger 256-bit encryption instead of 128-bit

Google has stated that it will not accept 128-bit encryption because it is vulnerable and the level of security is very low. The solution to this problem is that you, as a user, will need to contact the certificate authority to get a reissue of that particular certificate. If you plan to purchase a certificate SSL, generate CSR with 256-bit encryption and then install it on the web server.

7.- Migrate the site from the obsolete SHA-1 algorithm to SHA-2

According to the latest announcement made by Google, it is discontinuing the use of SHA-1. Starting from the year 2017, SHA-256 will be replaced by SHA1 algorithm. The reason is that SHA-1 is a weak mathematical algorithm and is less secure against the development of computer technology and hacking methods.

Therefore, it is advisable to move to SHA-2 algorithm for Google Chrome users. The solution for SHA-1 is to move your SSL certificate from SHA-1 to SHA-2. Contact SSL CA to reissue SSL certificate with SHA-2 algorithm. If you are purchasing a new SSL certificate, generate CSR with SHA-2 algorithm.

8.- Get the SSL certificate from a trusted CA

In addition to accepting SSL certificates issued by a CA, Google Chrome It also accepts a self-signed certificate. However, there is a limitation of using a self-signed certificate.

This limitation is that the validity of the self-signed certificate is only 90 days, as a self-signed certificate is used for testing purposes only. After 90 days have passed, the Chrome browser will display the error.

The best solution is always to prefer a trusted certificate authority to purchase an SSL certificate. There are many types of SSL certificates available on the market, so you need to evaluate your company's needs to choose the right certificate.

Conclusions

The above issues are related to security, safety, and speed. If the issues explained above are resolved as explained, the user can benefit greatly. There will be no security issues and all the websites that the user browses will be protected.

Apart from Google Chrome, all popular web browsers have their own way of describing SSL connection errors. Since Google Chrome has become the most widely used browser across the masses, it has become necessary to spread the word.

The function of SSL certificate is to bind the details with a particular cryptographic key of a particular organization. From a typical and common point, SSL certificates are normally used to protect credit cards, debit cards, login details of individuals.

Therefore, it can be assumed that the SSL certificate allows a particular user to do things securely without facing any security issues.