Security is an important factor in the website development process. Websites that have an attractive appearance but poor security will certainly be easily hacked. In order for the website to be secure, there are many ways you can do it, one of which is adding a Secure Socket Layer (SSL).
How to install SSL on a hosting or website is relatively easy, but sometimes it raises unexpected problems. WordPress error is one of them.
However, for those of you who experience problems when using SSL, this article will discuss how to fix the most common SSL/HTTPS problems on websites, especially WordPress.
What is SSL and Why Should You Use It?
SSL is an encryption method that is applied to secure the connection between the user (browser) and the website server (web hosting). Websites that use SSL will encrypt any data sent or received, making it difficult for hackers to infiltrate and read the data being processed.
Websites that use SSL will verify every connection or data exchange process occurs. SSL has a special certificate that is used for the identification and verification process. Paired SSL certificates, some are installed on the website, some are installed on the server. The existence of this certificate requires that the website and server have one type of encryption certificate.
There are many SSL services that you can try, for example like Comodo SSL. But whatever it is, if the SSL certificate on the server and website is different, the browser will warn the user by displaying an insecure message.
Google as one of the most popular browsers today not only displays an insecure message for websites whose SSL certificate is different from the server, but all websites that do not use SSL will display an insecure message (not secure) if opened using the Google Chrome browser.
Insecure messages in the browser, of course, give website visitors a bad impression of your business. Therefore, it is very important to install SSL on the website.
However, if you have tried installing SSL on your website and are still having problems, below are some SSL problem solutions that might help you.
6 Kinds of SSL Errors and How to Overcome Them
Even though it’s easy, not all free or paid SSL installation processes can run well. Sometimes you will encounter an unexpected error. SSL errors like “NET::ERR_CERT_INVALID” or “Too Many Redirects” are probably the ones you will encounter the most.
Apart from the error above, there are several SSL errors that sometimes appear. Below are several ways to deal with SSL errors that sometimes appear on the website.
1. Overcoming Error NET::ERR_CERT_INVALID
You will only find this SSL error in Google Chrome. You will encounter this error in other browsers with a different message, but in general it is a message warning the user that the website being visited is not secure.
This SSL error indicates that the browser cannot accept the SSL certificate provided by the website.
Resolving the NET::ERR_CERT_INVALID error can be done by reinstalling SSL or contacting an SSL service provider for help.
But if you use the services of a web hosting service provider. You can contact them and ask for help to fix it.
2. Troubleshooting Mixed Content After Moving Website to SSL / HTTPS
Websites that use SSL will display a secure message marked with a green padlock next to the website address. When you have installed SSL, but the green padlock has not appeared, maybe the cause is mixed content.
This error is not obvious because the website can load properly. It’s just that you will see a sign (ℹ️) next to the URL.
Source content such as images, scripts, or stylesheets is usually what causes the mixed content error because it is still loaded using HTTP Not Secure.
There are several ways to deal with this error. If you use WordPress, you can use the plugins that are already available there. For users who don’t use WordPress, you can do it manually.
a. Overcoming Mixed Content Using Plugins in WordPress
This method is the easiest and highly recommended for people who are new to using WordPress (beginners).
The step you need to take is to install the Really Simple SSL plugin. This plugin will help you force all content to be loaded into HTTPS.
You can access the Simple Really SSL menu control via “Dashboard » Settings » SSL”. You don’t need to do anything because once active, the Really Simple SSL plugin will automatically fix the Mixed Content error.
b. Handling Mixed Content Manually
This method does the finishing manually, but it is more effective and has better performance.
First, you need to make sure your WordPress or website uses HTTPS. For WordPress users, you can check via the “Settings » General” menu and make sure the WordPress address and Site Address use the HTTPS option.
If the URL still uses HTTP, change it to HTTPS. Don’t forget to click “Save Changes” to apply it.
3. Troubleshooting “Too Many Redirects” After Configuring SSL / HTTPS in WordPress
When implementing SSL/HTTPS on your website, you may accidentally redirect multiple times. This error is marked with the message “Too Many Redirects”.
All you need to do is check your .htaccess settings or disable more than one SSL plugin.
4. Setting the WordPress HTTP Redirect to HTTPS
Just completing the installation process on the website has not changed the URL by default to HTTPS. You need to direct the server to redirect from HTTP to HTTPS.
You can set HTTP redirection to HTTPS by adding the line of code below to the .htaccess file.
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>RewriteEngine OnRewriteCond %{HTTPS} offRewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]</IfModule>
5. Private Key Missing
The private key and CSR must be generated from the same server when you installed the certificate so that the installation process can run properly. If the private key is no longer stored on the server (lost), you must generate another certificate with a new CSR.
6. Overcoming the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR Error
The ERR_SSLPROTOCOL_ERROR error occurs when an error occurs in the SSL protocol. As a result, you cannot access the website at all.
In general, this error is caused by an expired SSL certificate, an incorrect date on the computer, antivirus blocking, and an old browser version.
To work around this, you can take the following steps:
– Delete SSL state
– Ensure all SSL versions are active
– Make sure the date setting is correct
– Cleaning cache and cookies in the browser
– Updating browser version
– Temporarily disable the antivirus used
Closing
There are many types of SSL errors that often appear when you install it on a website. Knowing the cause of the SSL error will make it easier for you to fix it.
Hopefully this type of SSL error article can help you solve various problems that you encounter when dealing with SSL/HTTPS.
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