How to fix ERR_CERT_WEAK_SIGNATURE_ALGORITHM. Step-by-Step Guide

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Understanding the ERR_CERT_WEAK_SIGNATURE_ALGORITHM Error

Fix the ERR_CERT_WEAK_SIGNATURE_ALGORITHM error caused by outdated SSL certificates using SHA-1 encryption. Learn how website owners can re-issue certificates with SHA-2 or SHA-256 and how visitors can address browser issues by updating Chrome, clearing SSL cache, or disabling conflicting extensions. Use our free chatbot to troubleshoot technical problems efficiently.

Key Takeaways for Solving the ERR_CERT_WEAK_SIGNATURE_ALGORITHM

  1. Root Cause: This error is triggered by an outdated SSL certificate using deprecated algorithms, mainly SHA-1.
  2. For Website Owners: Re-issue SSL certificates with an upgraded hashing algorithm (SHA-2 or SHA-256); you may need to contact your Certificate Authority (CA). Consider affordable and secure options via trusted SSL providers.
  3. For Website Visitors: Ensure your browser (Google Chrome) is up to date, clear the SSL cache, and disable conflicting extensions. Tools like EaseUS DriverHandy can help ensure your network settings are optimized for seamless SSL connections.
  4. Temporary Workarounds: Disable security extensions or antivirus/firewall software if they interfere, but use these options cautiously.
  5. Warning: Some steps like enabling outdated TLS or ignoring certificate errors jeopardize security and should be used with extreme caution.

Fixing the ERR_CERT_WEAK_SIGNATURE_ALGORITHM Error: A Full Guide

Step 1: Identify the Cause

The ERR_CERT_WEAK_SIGNATURE_ALGORITHM error typically appears when a website’s SSL certificate utilizes an outdated hashing algorithm—usually SHA-1. SHA-1 has been replaced by more secure options like SHA-2 and SHA-256 due to vulnerabilities that modern browsers no longer trust. Here’s how website owners and visitors can address the issue:

Step 2: For Website Owners — Address SSL Certificate Issues

1. Check the SSL Certificate’s Algorithm
  1. Visit the website in question.
  2. Right-click and select “Inspect” or press Ctrl + Shift + I.
  3. Open the “Security” tab.
  4. Review the SSL certificate. If it mentions SHA-1, the certificate is outdated.
2. Re-issue the SSL Certificate

If you’re using SHA-1, your best option is to re-issue the SSL certificate with an updated algorithm. Websites rely on Certificate Authorities (CA) like RapidSSL, DigiCert, and others, which now widely support SHA-2 certificates.

Steps to re-issue your SSL and fix the problem:

  • Contact Your Certificate Authority (CA) to re-issue the SSL certificate. Most CAs allow free re-issuance for an updated certificate using SHA-2 or SHA-256.
  • If your CA doesn’t provide free re-issuance, consider purchasing new SSL certificates from reliable providers. Buy secure SSL certificates starting as low as $5.45 annually.

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Step 3: For Website Visitors — Fix the Issue on Browser Side

Sometimes website visitors encounter this problem even though the certificate owner has no direct issues. Multiple factors can contribute to the error on the visitor’s end.

1. Update Google Chrome

An outdated browser can sometimes trigger SSL-related issues. To update:

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. In the address bar, enter chrome://settings/help.
  3. Chrome will automatically check for updates.
  4. If an update is available, let the browser update and then relaunch.

2. Clear SSL Cache

Clearing your SSL state can solve caching issues that result in ERR_CERT_WEAK_SIGNATURE_ALGORITHM errors.

Here’s how to clear the SSL state:

On Windows:

  1. Press Windows+R and in the Run command, type inetcpl.cpl.
  2. Hit Enter to open Internet Properties.
  3. Navigate to the Content tab.
  4. Click on Clear SSL State and press OK.

On Mac:

  • Clearing cache requires adjusting SSL and internet settings using similar methods as in the Internet Options section under Control Panel.

3. Disable Unnecessary Browser Extensions

Security-related extensions can occasionally block valid SSL certificates. Extensions like Norton Identity Safe, Avast Online Security, and HTTPS Everywhere are common culprits.

To disable extensions:

  1. Open Chrome.
  2. Click the menu (three dots) in the upper right corner.
  3. Select More Tools > Extensions.
  4. Locate any security or certificate-interfering extensions and disable them.

4. Ignore Certificate Errors Temporarily

This is not advised for long-term use but if you need a quick workaround to view the site:

  1. Step 1: Right-click the Chrome shortcut on your desktop.
  2. Step 2: Select Properties.
  3. Step 3: In the Target field, add the following line after the directory: --ignore-certificate-errors.
  4. Step 4: Click Apply and then OK.

Once you restart Chrome, it will ignore SSL certificate errors.

Warning: This will compromise your security, and it’s not recommended to use this as a permanent solution.

5. Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software

Sometimes, antivirus programs such as Norton or Windows Defender can misunderstand SSL behavior and block connections.

To temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall:

  1. Open the antivirus dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Settings > Firewall or SSL Monitoring.
  3. Disable temporarily, ensuring you re-enable once you’ve addressed the issue.

Consider a privacy-focused VPN like NordVPN to bypass SSL-related restrictions safely.

Step 4: Additional Advanced Troubleshooting for Experts

1. Enable Insecure Ciphers in Chrome

If none of the above fixes the issue, and you require older TLS-based connections temporarily:

  1. Open Chrome and go to chrome://flags.
  2. Search for “Temporarily enable outdated TLS 1.0 and 1.1 protocols.”
  3. Enable the flag and restart Chrome.

Note: This compromises security and should only be used for temporary testing.

2. Clear All Certificates on Linux

For Linux users, if Chrome or your system’s certificate authorities are misconfigured:

  1. Open the Certificate Manager (certmgr).
  2. Navigate to the Trusted Certificates tab.
  3. Manually delete outdated or invalid certificates.

Caution: Deleting certificates can cause issues with other secure websites — be certain before proceeding.

FAQ

1. What is the main cause of the ERR_CERT_WEAK_SIGNATURE_ALGORITHM error?

The error occurs due to SSL certificates using deprecated algorithms like SHA-1, which are no longer accepted by modern browsers.

2. How do I fix this as a website owner?

To permanently resolve this, you must re-issue or purchase a new SSL certificate using a SHA-2 or SHA-256 algorithm from your Certificate Authority.

3. Can disabling SSL verification be dangerous?

Yes, ignoring certificate errors or using insecure ciphers compromises your internet safety, making you vulnerable to attacks.

4. Which browsers stop supporting SHA-1?

Popular browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari no longer support websites that use SHA-1 certificates.

5. How much does it cost to get a new SHA-2 SSL certificate?

Basic Domain Validated SSL certificates start at around $5.45 per year, but prices vary depending on the level of validation you need.

6. Can antivirus software cause these SSL errors?

Yes, many antivirus programs or firewalls inspect SSL certificates and might reject or block websites that use outdated encryption methods.

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By following these steps, you’ll be able to identify and resolve the ERR_CERT_WEAK_SIGNATURE_ALGORITHM error efficiently and securely.

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