Peer certificates are used to validate a connection made to a server or computer from another server/computer by utilizing public and private keys. An invalid or unverifiable peer certificate can cause a range of issues such as an inability to connect to a secure server or system, communication problems between two devices, or web browser issues when trying to access web pages.
This guide will provide an overview of this issue and how to fix it. After reading this guide, the reader should have a basic understanding of how to troubleshoot and resolve an invalid or unverifiable peer certificate.
Steps to Fix Invalid or Unverifiable Peer Certificates
Check the Date and Time – Firstly, you should check that the date/time on your computer and the target machine (the system you are trying to connect to) are in sync. This can cause an incorrect peer certificate if your computer and the target's time settings are not in agreement.
Check the Certificate – Secondly, you should double-check the certificate itself by either examining the details on your machine or by taking a look at the server's certificate (if applicable). You can do this by verifying the domain or IP address of the target machine, the validity dates and other details to ensure they match the information on your computer.
Check Your Connection – If a connection is not established properly, this could be the source of the problem. Make sure that the connection between your computer and the target machine is secure and stable.
Use Your Firewall – If you’re using a firewall, it could be blocking the connection. Make sure the ports required for the connection are open on your machine and the target machine’s firewall.
Disable the Certificate Validation – If none of the above solutions work, you may need to disable the certificate validation in your computer's settings. This can be found in the ‘Security Settings’ for your operating system.
FAQ
What is a peer certificate?
A peer certificate is a digital certificate that is used to identify a computer or a server when making a secure connection to another system. It is typically used to validate the identity of the connecting system and verify that they are authorized to access data or services on the other system.
What can cause an invalid or unverifiable peer certificate?
An invalid or unverifiable peer certificate can be caused by an incorrect date or time on either the computer or the target machine, a mismatching domain or IP address on the certificate, an unstable or insecure connection, or if a firewall is blocking the connection.
What is the best way to fix an invalid or unverifiable peer certificate?
The best way to fix an invalid or unverifiable peer certificate is to first check the date and time on both the computer and the target machine, then check the certificate details, check the connection, use a firewall if necessary, and finally disable the certificate validation if all else fails.
How can I check the certificate details?
You can check the certificate details on your machine by going to the Security Settings and examining the domain or IP address, validity dates, and other details. On the target machine, you can check the server's certificate.
What are the risks of disabling the certificate validation?
Disabling the certificate validation can put your computer at risk as it will no longer be verifying the identity of the server or computer when making a connection, thus allowing a malicious user to access your system and data.