Error code 525 indicates that the website is having problems maintaining its secure connection with you. Websites and browsers must securely communicate with one another.
This would be similar to two people shaking hands before talking. And if something goes wrong and they can’t shake hands, they won’t be able to speak properly. That’s what occurs when an SSL handshake does not succeed.
What is SSL?
SSL is the Secure Sockets Layer. It’s a unique technology that protects websites. This means that when you visit a website that uses SSL, your browser and the website will create a connection, ensuring that no one else can eavesdrop on or steal your data.
SSL-enabled websites have HTTPS in their address as opposed to just HTTP. This little “S” means secure. If a website lacks SSL, your connection may not be secure, and hackers may steal information such as passwords or credit card numbers.
What is an SSL Handshake?
Before your browser and a website can communicate securely, they must shake hands. That’s why this is called an SSL handshake.
An SSL handshake is when:
- Your browser requests a secure connection with the website.
- “Sending a special security certificate from the website to show that this site is safe.
- Your browser verifies the certificate and once everything seems in order, they establish a secure connection.
- This handshake happens quickly within a few seconds! If something fails, then the handshake fails, and you see an error message.
Why Does SSL Handshake Fail?
Error Code 525 The “SSL Handshake Failed” error occurs when the handshake fails. Here are a few reasons this occurs:
The SSL Certificate of the Website is Missing or Expired
- To run properly websites need a valid SSL. A missing or expired certificate will cause the handshake to fail.
Using the Wrong SSL Version on the Website
- SSL has different versions. This could lead to an error if the versions used by the website and the browser differ, as they would not be able to interpret each other.
The Server Is Not Configured Correctly
- In some cases, the server the website is hosted on has not been configured properly. This could prevent the handshake from working properly.
Cloudflare is Having Issues
- Cloudflare is a third-party content delivery network that most websites have to make them secure and fast. If Cloudflare cannot connect securely to the website’s server, the SSL handshake will fail.
Older Security Settings on Your Browser or Device
- If your browser or device is using obsolete security settings, it may not be able to do the handshake.
How to Fix SSL Handshake Failed Error Code 525?
If you encounter this error, don’t panic! There are ways to fix it.
Make Sure The Website Is Using A Valid SSL Certificate
- If you are the owner of the website make sure the SSL cert is still valid. An SSL certificate is the one that must be renewed. For example, if the certificate is expired, the site will not be able to establish a secure connection.
Check if the SSL Certificate is Properly Installed
- If the website has an SSL certificate but still gives the error, it may not have been installed correctly. You may want to check if the installation has been done properly and rectify any errors if found.
Use the Correct SSL Version
- The website and the browser must support the same version of SSL. They might fail the handshake if they are on different versions. This can be resolved by updating the SSL configuration of the server.
Fix Cloudflare Settings
- If a website uses Cloudflare, you must inspect Cloudflare’s SSL. Cloudflare has its own SSL enabled which offers Flexible, Full , and Full (Strict) modes. If you have selected the wrong mode, an SSL handshake failure may occur.
Update Your Browser or Device
- In some cases, the website is not the problem but your browser or your device. Yes, old browsers do not support the latest SSL versions. This issue can be resolved by updating your browser to its latest version.”
Clear Your Browser Cache
- Your browser caches old data, and that can sometimes cause problems. Clearing your cache and cookies could help fix SSL errors.
How to Prevent SSL Handshake Failures in the Future?
Correcting a mistake is nice, but more importantly, is not making the same mistake again. Here are several tips for keeping websites secure and avoiding SSL handshake errors:
Here are some guidelines you should consider.
Websites must renew their SSL certificates before they expire. If the expiration date is checked and the certificate renewed in time, handshake failures can be avoided.
Use a Trusted SSL Provider
- When you get an SSL certificate from a trusted provider, you know it works. Some great providers are: Let’s Encrypt, DigiCert, and GlobalSign.
Update the Server and Browser You Use
- Websites and browsers must regularly be updated to secure your connection. Update your software This is one of the most effective ways to prevent SSL errors.
Monitor Cloudflare Settings
- When a handshaking failure occurs, you frequently only check the status of your SSL setting.
- Check the Configuration of the Server Regularly
- Without proper setup of servers, SSL cannot work. Checking for the server configuration will help avoid future errors.
Conclusion
The SSL Handshake Failed Error occurs when a browser is unable to establish a secure connection with a website. This is typically caused by invalid or expired SSL certificates, wrong SSL configuration, server misconfigurations, Cloudflare problems, or old browser settings.
It allows checking of SSL Certificate, installation correctly, using the right SSL Version fixing Cloudflare, updating and clearing cache to sort the error.
To avoid this error from occurring again make sure to renew SSL certificates on time, use a trusted SSL provider, update servers and browsers, check Cloudflare settings, and monitor server configuration.
