SSL/TLS (Secure Socket Layer/Transport Layer Security) certificates are familiar digital securities used by millions of web owners all over the globe. However, for the ignorant, let me brief you that these digital securities are extremely important to keep intruders away from accessing your website and its data since they use encryption security to secure all browser-server exchanges. Let us check in detail about these SSL/TLS certificates.
What is an SSL/TLS Certificate?
SSL/TLS certificates secure websites with 256-bit encryption security. Cryptographic algorithms are used in encryption which makes this digital certificate a strong security solution for websites. An SSL-secured site shows HTTPS (hypertext transfer protocol secure) in the URL and a padlock in the address bar, which serves as a security icon for websites and a trust icon for users.
Google as well as all popular browsers have positively acknowledged SSL certificates and millions of users trust sites having HTTPS protocol.
The presence of an SSL certificate shows that the website and its data are secured from intruders. This certificate is pivotal as per PCI (Payment Card Industry) standards and it helps boost SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) rankings too.
However, SSL/TLS certificates at times display errors, which can be infuriating at times, because the site access is denied to the users and an error is displayed. There are varied SSL errors that are displayed for multiple reasons.
One such SSL error is the ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT error.
What is the ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT Error?
This huge error has a simple meaning, which is visible in the name of the error itself. “Unrecognised Name Alert” means that the name stated on the SSL certificate is non-recognizable. The browser also is not able to recognize the SSL certificate and hence displays this error.
Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) are very cautious about user security just like search engines (Google). Hence when they find any flaws in the SSL certificate, its configuration, issues in its name, expiry dates, etc. they are bound to display errors and block site access to the users for security purposes.
When a user sees the above-stated error, it is a sign that the browsers have blocked the site access and content since there are some issues with the site’s SSL certificate. Some SSL errors warn users to stay away from suspicious sites, but display the site anyway, whereas this error shows that the desired site is “unavailable” and refrains the users from viewing the site.
Varied causes can trigger this error, so let us get rid of this error by discussing the causes first, and later the solutions, which will help in fixing this error.
Common Causes of the ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT Error:
The main causes, which trigger the above-stated error, are:
- SSL Certificate Configuration Issues
- Use of an Invalid SSL Certificate
- Unsecured Browser-Server Connection
- Issues with Website Configuration to load over HTTPS
Generally, the majority of the SSL errors are resolved by properly configuring the SSL certificate. Clearing browser cache and clearing old, outdated, and unused browser extensions can also resolve the error.
These are some simple solutions but there may be many more to troubleshoot the error and fix the issue.
Let us check them out.
How To Fix the ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT Error?
#1. Ensure that the Site has a Valid SSL Certificate:
The foremost solution for each SSL error including the above is that the website should have a valid SSL certificate, i.e., the SSL certificate should not be expired and it should be issued from a trustworthy Certificate Authority (CA).
Self-signed certificates are also available in the digital market, wherein the site owner can self-sign them and issue them on their site. However, if the certificate is not issued from a reliable CA, it is bound to display the ‘Err_SSL_Unrecognized_Name_Alert’ error.
The reason why CA-issued certificates are trusted is that these Certificate Authorities go through strict verification procedures, organization checks, and owner identity checks, before issuing the same, whereas in the case of self-signed certificates, web owners can directly sign and issue the SSL certificate, which can be non-trustworthy at times.
This may trigger the SSL error. Therefore, if your site is using an SSL certificate issued from a trusted source or your web host, then you can eliminate this troubleshooting method and move to the next solution.
However, if you have doubts regarding the same, it is advisable to approach a trusted CA, re-issue, and re-install the new SSL certificate for fixing the error.
Note: ClickSSL is reliable SSL provider offer global SSL brands like Comodo, Thawte, RapidSSL, GeoTrust & DigiCert. at cheap rates.
#2. Check your SSL Configurations:
Checking SSL configuration for fixing the SSL error is an easy task since there are ample tools available in the market for the same.
You can check SSL certificate details in SSL checker. You just need to enter your domain name and click “Check SSL”. This SSL server test tool will give a complete SSL configuration report.
In case the SSL certificate is issued from a trusted source, the report will display an “A” in the overall rating as shown in the below image.
In short, the report will specify whether a new SSL certificate needs to be installed or not. Check the report and address the issue.
#3. Configure the Website to Load over HTTPS:
After the successful installation of the SSL certificate, it is essential to move your website from HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol) to HTTPS. If you fail to do so, you may encounter the above-stated error.
Steps:
- Purchase SSL Certificate and install.
- Add the version of HTTPS to the Search Console.
- Set up 301 redirects.
- Modify all the internal links.
- Fix mixed content issues.
- Resubmit disavow file and modify your backlinks.
There are many WP plugins (in case your site is on WordPress (WP), which can load your site on HTTPS forcefully. Ensure that your server configuration supports these plugins. In case of issues arising from the web host, the ideal solution is to directly modify the configuration of the server. If the error is not fixed, move to the next step.
#4. Take Help from your Hosting Provider:
If all the above-stated solutions are implemented and the SSL error persists, it is time to approach your web host and brief them about the issue.
Your web host may re-install the SSL certificate if needed to fix the error. Usually, web hosts issue SSL certificates from reputed CAs, which minimizes the possibility of SSL errors.
Ensure that you update your web hosts about the solutions, which you have implemented to fix the ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT Error. This will help them in thinking about other possible solutions, which can be implemented to erase the error.
Other Solutions:
- Install the latest version of your browser if possible.
- Clear the browser cache and other browser extensions.
- Check the date, time of your device, and ensure that it is correct.
Wrapping Up:
SSL errors can be frustrating, annoying, and problematic because they refrain users from accessing their desired websites, though there are a few browsers that bypass these errors and display the desired site to their users. This can be risky and can pose a threat to the site and its data.
The ideal way to fix the majority of these SSL errors is to check the SSL configuration and its validity and to ensure that the SSL-secured website is loaded over HTTPS.
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