Why Apache WordPress Show Not Trusted Certificate

A non-trusted certificate might cause a vast range of issues, from confusion to critical security concerns, especially for an Apache WordPress site. In most cases, these kinds of errors normally derive from fundamental underlying causes in SSL/TLS certificates, which are generally fundamental to creating a secure connection for the browser on the client's machine and web server.

Such a certificate ensures that data between the user and the server remains private and untampered, giving it both security and credibility to the website. A non-trusted certificate will alarmingly pop up with a "Your connection is not private" discouraging a number of users from proceeding.

This really eats away a user's trust and potentially creates massive losses in visitors, especially with transaction-based sites such as e-commerce or membership sites whose activities necessitate secure transactions.

Understanding SSL/TLS Certificates and Their Application

SSL and TLS are cryptographic protocols that provide security and integrity for data over the internet. They authenticate websites to ensure that server-to-client communication is encrypted.

When an SSL/TLS certificate is untrusted, browsers display warnings such as:

• "Your connection is not private."
• "Not Secure."

Why SSL/TLS Certificates Matter

• Data Security: Encrypts sensitive information like login or credit card details.
• Website Authentication: Confirms the website's ownership.
• Trust Indication: A padlock in the URL increases visitor confidence.

Reasons for "Not Trusted Certificate" on Apache WordPress

The "Not Trusted Certificate" error arises from several causes. Below are the most common:

1. Self-Signed Certificates

• Issue: Self-signed certificates are not trusted because the server generates them rather than a recognized Certificate Authority (CA).
• Effectiveness: Suitable for development environments but not for production sites.
• Solution: Obtain a certificate from a trusted CA like Let’s Encrypt or DigiCert.

2. Lapsed Certificates

• Issue: SSL/TLS certificates expire. If not renewed, they become invalid, causing the browser to show untrusted errors.
• Impact: Visitors may see your site as insecure, harming your reputation and SEO.
• Solution: Monitor certificate expiration dates and renew them on time. Automate renewals using tools like Let’s Encrypt’s Certbot.

3. Invalid Domain Name

• Issue: A certificate issued for a specific domain fails when used for a different domain or subdomain.
• Impact: Common during migrations or with subdomains.
• Solution:
  • Use wildcard certificates for subdomains.
  • Ensure the certificate matches the exact domain name.

4. Missing Intermediate Certificates

• Issue: Intermediate certificates connect the server's certificate to a trusted root certificate. Missing these breaks the trust chain.
• Impact: Even a valid root certificate will trigger trust errors in browsers.
• Solution: Include intermediate certificates in the server configuration.

Configuring Apache with Intermediate Certificates

• Use the SSLCertificateChainFile directive in the Apache configuration.
• Ensure all required intermediate certificates are included in the chain file.

5. Misconfigured Apache Server

• Issue: Valid certificates may not work due to Apache configuration errors.
• Impact: Browsers fail to recognize SSL.
• Solution: Check the Apache SSL configuration and ensure correct file paths for certificates and private keys.

Important Apache Configuration Commands

• SSLCertificateFile: Path to the server's public certificate.
• SSLCertificateKeyFile: Path to the private key.
• SSLCertificateChainFile: Path to the intermediate certificate.

How to Fix Not Trusted Certificate Error

Addressing the issue requires a systematic approach based on the specific cause:

Step 1: Verify Source Certificate

• Purchase an SSL/TLS certificate from a registered CA.
• Avoid self-signed certificates for live sites.

Step 2: Configure the Apache Server

• Enable the SSL module: bash Copy code

sudo a2enmod ssl

Specify the correct file paths in the SSL configuration.

Restart the Apache server: bash Copy code

sudo systemctl restart apache2

Step 3: Test the Configuration

• Use online tools like SSL Labs' SSL Test to identify configuration issues.
• Test across multiple browsers to ensure the issue is resolved.

Step 4: Renew Certificates Periodically

• Monitor expiration dates.
• Automate renewals using tools like Certbot.

Best Practices in SSL/TLS Management

1. Use Trusted Certificates

• Obtain certificates from reputable Certificate Authorities.
• Free options like Let’s Encrypt are suitable for small sites.

2. Implement HTTPS Across the Site

• Redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS using:
  • htaccess file
  • Apache configuration
• Update internal links and scripts to HTTPS.

3. Monitor SSL Expiration and Configuration

• Use monitoring tools to track SSL certificates and receive renewal notifications.
• Regularly test configurations for vulnerabilities.

Avoid Common Mistakes

• Using self-signed certificates on production sites.
• Failing to include intermediate certificates.
• Allowing certificates to expire.

Common Causes of Non-Trusted Certificates on Apache WordPress Sites

A number of common problems can be the cause when users receive a "non-trusted certificate" warning on an Apache WordPress site. A common cause is that the SSL/TLS certificate has expired. This usually happens every 90 days to one year depending on the certificate authority.

When this certificate is not renewed or updated in due time, the browser will refuse to accept it, and there will be trust warnings. Another option includes using self-signed certificates - these are not issued from a known Certificate Authority - hence browsers will not have confidence in them.

Finally, if the Apache server has been misconfigured so that intermediate certificates are absent or file permissions are mis-set, trust issues would again be encountered. Then there could be an incomplete or faulty SSL/TLS handshake due to which the certificate cannot also be validated properly. The identification and rectification of the cause can bring back trust and security to the website.

Conclusion

Untrusted certificates undermine user trust and disrupt the functionality of a website in general, but especially on WordPress sites where safe browsing is of prime concern. These common errors derive from issues like self-signed certificates, expired certificates, or misconfigured settings. A self-signed certificate, though dirt cheap and fast to implement, lacks validation by a trusted CA, causing browsers to flag it as untrusted.

Expired certificates pose a significant threat because, once expired, they cannot offer the assurance of secure communication between the server and the user's browser. Incorrect settings, misconfigured settings, like an incomplete certificate chain or mismatched domain names can further exacerbate the problem, culminating in alarming browser warnings that discourage users from accessing your site.