You might be unhappy if you find your WordPress site hosted on an Apache web server displaying security messages about an โuntrusted SSL certificateโ or an โinvalid SSL certificate.โ But there are a few standard causes for this situation and several methods of overcoming it. There is nothing like having a well-trusted SSL certification installed with the correct configuration to offer security for your site and further boost the confidence of those who wish to connect with you online
Concerns Leading to Untrusted Certificates
Domain Name Mismatch
The most typical problem is that a domain name on the website does not match the SSL certificate used. This makes the certificate useless for your domain and is what SSLSHOP.com takes advantage of with their fake SSL certificate. The best way out of this is to acquire or obtain a certificate that resolves and legitimately bonds with your domain name.
Self-Signed Certificate
Some site owners have their own certificate, which they issue for free as opposed to having a properly-certified certificate issued by a CA. Unfortunately, your browser cannot automatically check a self-signed cert as being trusted. People will receive security warnings if this certificate is not added to the exception list by the user. This problem will be resolved if one acquires a valid SSL cert signed by a well-recognized CA.
Expired Certificate
An SSL certificate is valid for a limited period–generally one year. Still, it depends on the type of SSL certificate being used. An expired cert will have warnings even though, initially, it was a properly procured certificate and was trusted. Site owners must renew the certificates to ensure that their users trust their sites and their communications. So by setting a reminder, you will be able to renew the certificate seamlessly before expiration date to avoid the problem.
Apache Configuration Issues
Sometimes Apache is not configured correctly in hosting or validating the SSL certificate. Sometimes, even configuration problems on the server, such as missing intermediate certificates, can lead to a perfectly valid SSL/TLS certificate being categorized as untrusted. Apache OpenSSL configuration issue solutions can be resolved by web admin, developer, or by contacting your host.
WordPress Securers Solutions for Untrusted WordPress Certificates
Buy Genuine SSL Certificates
The only long-term means of gaining trust and securing your connection is investing in a properly issued certificate from a trusted CA, which should match your domain. There are a lot of hosting providers that can provide or install certificates on Apache to enable HTTPS traffic. The small investment ensures that your site and data will be safe from such threats.
Mainly Domain Validated Certificate
Most CAs offer budget-conscious domain validated (DV) certificates at even lower prices if funds are limited. Despite not offering an extended validation, DV certificates allow the display of trust and padlock symbols in browsers by confirming that you are the domain’s owner. On the one hand, this saves on warnings when protecting information; on the other hand, it is more costly.
Renew Expired Certs Promptly
Even if previously compliant and free of errors, browsers will mark expired certificates as โuntrusted.โ Certificate renewal is imperative. You can note renewal dates and use calendars and reminders to avoid disruption from expired certificates. If you want to maintain the ongoing trust and security of an online platform, a little effort in setting reminders for renewals can go a long way.
Get the Provider to Issue a Certificate
If Apache was not configured correctly for hosting SSL certificates, sometimes getting your hosting provider to either reissue or reinstall a new certificate solves configuration issues. If they issued the actual certificate, you shouldn’t have problems explaining to them how to configure Apache, install the intermediate chain certificate, etc., to ensure that your certificate is secure.
Conclusion
There are a few understandable initial reasons why one’s Apache-hosted WordPress site has failed SSL tests and shows โuntrustedโ or โinvalid SSL certificates.โ Specific measures must be taken to get properly certified names corresponding to your domain. And ensuring that your certificate is renewed promptly will keep your site trusted while providing https encryption with a comforting green lock to all your users. Setting up Apache securely to host certificates correctly is critical. It may need help from those who manage your web host environment.
