What Is the ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT Error?
ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT is one of the issues that signify an unknown SSL certificate, preventing users from accessing a website until it’s fixed. This error is shown when users’ browsers are unable to recognize the certificate on a website. It’s a warning sign that the communication on that particular website isn’t secure.
Users must ensure that their site’s SSL configuration satisfies the necessary criteria to ensure visitor that their data is secure. In addition to demonstrating the authenticity of any website, a functional SSL certificate protects against man-in-the-middle attacks. There is no justification for not using SSL protection given the simplicity of setup options and the near-universal adoption of SSL across the majority of browsers and systems.
Some Common Reasons of the ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT Issue
Unlike other issues, there are only a few possible causes for this one: either the website is not set up to load via HTTPS, the SSL certificate is invalid, or both can cause it.
Let’s study each element so one can smoothly to maintain the accessibility and security of the website.
- Invalid Certificate
The ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT issue is often caused by an incorrect SSL certificate on the website. It could be self-signed, expired, or issued by an authority for a certificate that isn’t recognized. Another possibility is that the domain name of the website and the certificate, both don’t match.
A cancelled SSL certificate could be another reason for this error. A certificate is no longer regarded as valid by the certificate authority when it is cancelled or revoked, often due to the faulty issuance or security issues. After that, browsers will refuse links to the website and show the error.
- Improper Configuration of the SSL Certificate
The ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT issue may be the reason of a number of SSL certificate-related misconfigurations. Mismatched names among the address and the certificate typed into the browser is one common problem that arises, especially in shared hosting configurations.
An incomplete certificate chain due to an erroneous intermediate certificate sequence through upload could also be the cause of a botched SSL installation. Furthermore, it might be difficult for novice web administrators to ensure appropriate setup because every client or server has different configuration steps.
- Website avoids Loading Over HTTPS
When websites don’t load over HTTPS, data remains unsafe, making it susceptible to hacker interception and manipulation. Therefore, it is simple to compromise consumers’ financial and personal information, including their login credentials.
Today’s modern browsers alert users to non-HTTPS websites, emphasizing the possible security dangers and blocking further interaction. Due to this, setting up an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate on the server is just the initial step. Establishing a secure connection is not as simple as obtaining the SSL certificate.
The website is still open to prospective security breaches if HTTPS is not enforced. When users manually write “https://” in the address bar, it will load over the protected version; however, this is not always the case.
Correcting the ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT Issue
It might be difficult to deal with the risks of SSL issues, but users can remove the ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT issue from their website by following a methodical approach. These procedures will help users locate the problem and fix it so that their website is safe and reliable to use.
- Check SSL Configuration for Issues
Just as simply as an incorrect certificate can cause the ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT error, so can a misconfigured SSL certificate. In such cases, the Qualys SSL Server Test plays a major role, providing a thorough report on the settings of the SSL certificate and pointing out any possible problems. Furthermore, the program offers a rating that is determined by its evaluation of how reliable browsers will find the website.
Examine the configuration of the certificate using an SSL testing tool. Examine the certificate’s expiration date, the issuer’s legitimacy, and the degree of browser trust for any red flags. This step can assist in recognizing problems that may be causing the error but are not immediately apparent.
- Ensure to have a Valid SSL Certificate
An authentic certificate from an established authority serves as the cornerstone of SSL security. This is about trust, and not simply encryption. The gatekeepers of this trust are certificate authority like Let’s Encrypt, Cloudflare, DigiCert, GlobalSign, GoDaddy, and Comodo. They pass strict inspections and audits to guarantee that they can be trusted to give safe certifications.
Make sure the reputable authority that granted users’ SSL certificate is identified. Think about reissuing the certificate via reliable source if users got it from an unreliable one. To facilitate this process, some hosting companies frequently provide integrated SSL solutions, which include certificates from reliable authority.
- Configure the Website to Load over HTTPS
It is not enough to just get an SSL certificate; users’ website has to be set up properly to be used safely. This involves confirming that all online traffic is routed via HTTPS, providing a safe connection for every user. Make sure HTTPS is forced if the hosting platform offers such a feature.
To impose HTTPS on Nginx servers, users must update the Nginx configuration file to reroute HTTP traffic to (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) HTTPS.
Similarly, users of Apache will have to adjust their ‘.htaccess’ file appropriately. Always remember to backup the configurations prior making any alterations and proceed cautiously when performing direct server configuration changes.
Steps to initiate HTTPS redirection for Apache and Nginx servers
- For Apache
Popular web server Apache, is renowned for its adaptability and extensive support. On an Apache server, changing the Apache configuration file or the ‘.htaccess’ file directly is required to redirect HTTP traffic to HTTPS. The ‘.htaccess’ technique, which is often chosen for shared hosting setups, can be used to perform this as follows:
- Find or Create the ‘.htaccess’ File: Usually located in the website’s root directory. In case it isn’t there, users have the option to make one.
- Use a Text Editor to Access the ‘.htaccess’ file: It is possible to download a file, make changes locally, and upload it again if users are using FTP to connect to their server. Enter the lines that follow at the top (file). This setup turns on the rewriting engine, checks to see whether HTTPS is enabled (which indicates that HTTP is the current connection type), and then reroutes to the URL’s HTTPS version.
If users are editing locally, save the ‘.htaccess’ file after adding the redirection code and upload it back to the server.
- For Nginx
High-performance web server Nginx is employed as an HTTP cache, load balancer, and reverse proxy. Users will need to make changes to their site’s configuration file to redirect all traffic of HTTP to HTTPS in Nginx. Below is the procedure:
- Find the file that configures Ngnix: Usually located at /etc/nginx/sites-available/yourdomain.com, wherein the domain name of the website is yourdomain.com. Users can verify the default file /etc/nginx/sites-available/default if users are still not sure.
- Use a Text Editor to Open the File: Consider using vim or nano if users are trying with SSH.
- Add a Redirection Directive to the server block for (HTTP) port 80 so that all traffic is sent to HTTPS. This is an example configuration that uses a 301 redirect to route the entire traffic to the HTTPS website version while listening for incoming connections on port 80, which is the default port for HTTP.
It’s a good idea to check the Nginx settings for syntax issues before applying the changes. If the test runs without any problems, reload Nginx to apply the changes.
- Contact the Hosting Provider
Sometimes, no matter how attempts users make, the problem persists. At this point, asking for hosting provider’s assistance is really helpful. If necessary, a reputable hosting company can help with reinstalling or reissuing the certificate besides providing information about possible server-side problems that may be the cause of the SSL error.
Be ready to provide specifics about the actions which are already made when contacting for help. This will enable them to focus on the issue more effectively. Acknowledge that users are ensured that their site is configured to load over HTTPS, checked for configuration issues, and confirmed the validity of the certificate.
Congratulations, if these techniques are successful! Here’s what to do if you come across the warnings in future.
How to Prevent ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT Warnings?
When handling the SSL certificates for the website, keep the following in mind to prevent similar mistakes in the future:
- Make sure users create their CSR using the domain name of the live site.
- For optimum compatibility, only buy single domain certificates—not wildcards.
- Enable auto-renew for certificates to avoid their expiration.
- Once issued, install certificates right away and monitor their distribution.
- Keep an eye on when the certificates expire and schedule a replacement in advance.
- To serve the appropriate certificate, make sure the server is configured correctly.
- Never switch domains without first installing the most recent certificate.
Conclusion
Resolving the ERR_SSL_UNRECOGNIZED_NAME_ALERT error may involve troubleshooting configuration settings, faulty certificates, or non-HTTPS website loading. Users can solve this issue by carefully verifying their SSL certificate, making use of scanning tools, and setting up their website appropriately. If the problem continues, get in contact with the hosting company.
Don’t forget that the security and credibility of the website depends on having a valid SSL certificate.