This error is popularly referred to as the ‘Diffie Hellman error.’ It mainly arises due to that fact that your site possesses an outdated security certificate which needs an overhaul. Such a denial of access is vital as it prevents you from being on the receiving end of the Logjam attacks.
In all, the error is quite inconveniencing and in dire need of prompt actions. To solve this ssl_error_weak_server_ephemeral_dh_key, you have three main options for your consideration. We are going to highlight and explain them in details here below.
Why we face this secure connection failed error
Firefox Bug – There is a well-known bug which is available in Firefox 31 and above. It has been primarily known to cause this particular error. The issue has since been brought to the attention of the developers and appropriate action taken.
A change in Firefox behavior – The Firefox 33 browser and above have the stricter libPKIS functionality. This prevents you from disabling the library and switch to the previous NSS code. It is because of this that the issue is often bound to arise.
Incompatible Key Size – Firefox 33 browsers and above no longer accommodate those keys that are less than 1024 bits. The use of such keys may, therefore, cause this particular error to arise.
Active Blocking of Certain Ciphers – In case Firefox actively blocks some ciphers, there is bound to be some discrepancies here and there. Such discrepancies often make the error to show up.
Incompatible Alternatives – Lastly, you might often be tempted to use some security certificates in place of the ones that are largely recognized as being the bona fide versions. Such incompatible alternatives may also yield this particular error message.
How to fix ‘ssl_error_weak_server_ephemeral_dh_key’ Error
1. Update Firefox to the latest version
Start off by updating your Firefox browser to the latest available version. Such an update eliminates bugs which are chiefly responsible for the said error arising. The following procedures will let you do so quickly:
Step I: Open the ‘Firefox’ browser and then click the action button. You will find it fixed at the top-right corner of the browser.
Step II: Proceed to ‘Help’ and click ‘About Firefox’
Step III: While at the ‘About Mozilla Firefox’ window, click ‘Restart’ to update the Firefox and then wait for the process to complete. In case you are prompted by the Firefox Updater UAC (User Account Control), select ‘Yes’ to gain administrative privileges.
Step IV: As soon as Firefox is restarted, visit the very site that gave you trouble previously. Check whether you might still be encountering the same error message as before. In case the secure connection failed error persists, skip to the next method below.
2. Substituting the insecure fallback host
Try resolving the issue by keying in the hidden Firefox config menu and the setting the security.tls.insecure_fallback_hosts string to the domain which is displayed in the error message. Do so by following these quick procedures:
Step I: Open Firefox, and type ‘about: config’ in the navigation bar. Close it by pressing ‘Enter’.
Step II: A ‘This might void your warranty!’ screen shall pop up. Click ‘I accept the risk!’
Step III: Configure the menu by acknowledging that you consent to the risks
Step IV: As soon as you get to the config menu, paste ‘security.tls.insecure_fallback_hosts’ in the search bar. Press ‘Enter’ to gain access to the string that you need to alter.
Step V: After locating it, double-click it to open the associated dialog box. Inside the ‘Enter string value’ box, type or paste the domain name experienced the error message and hit ‘Ok’.
Step VI: Restart Firefox and check whether you might still be encountering the same error message. Should the error persist, move on the final method below.
3. Enabling SSL3 preferences
Follow these steps to bring this method to fruition:
Step I: Open Firefox and type about: config in the navigation bar.
Step II: Press ‘Enter’ to open the hidden Config menu
Step III: The ‘This might void your warranty!’ screen shall pop up. Click ‘I accept the risk!’ Use the search function to find the following Boolean entry inside the config menu:
security.ssl3.dhe_rsa_aes_128_sha
In case this value is not set to ‘False,’ double-click it to do so on your own. Make use of the same search function to find the next Boolean entry:
security.ssl3.dhe_rsa_aes_256_sha
Set it to False much as you did to the previous one. After you are through with the two modifications, restart Firefox and observe whether the error message has been sorted out.
Tips to avoid the website SSL error
Update the Driver – Old or outdated drivers have been identified as leading causes of this error message. This is why it is necessary to update the driver as a way of preventing the errors from arising.
Refresh the Browser – You might also want to refresh the driver as a way of mitigating the problem. Doing so will keep the driver up to standard and prevent the possibility of such an error stemming up.
Troubleshoot the Internet Settings – As noted above, incorrect internet settings also have a role to play in the emergence of such an error. You should also consider troubleshooting the said settings as a way to mitigate the error.
Install the Latest Browser – If the problem persists, you should also consider installing the latest version of your browser. This will overcome those issues that easily give rise to such an error in the first place.
Reprogram the Commands – Lastly, you may also wish to reprogram the commands. This mainly entails weeding out any inconsistencies or bugs which may have a bearing on the proper functioning of the codes.
The Final Words (Conclusion)
Solving the ssl_error_weak_server_ephemeral_dh_key error successfully is a must if you ever hope to enjoy a secure browsing undertaking. It is for this reason that you want to make every effort to know just how to go about the issue.
The procedures stipulated above will definitely offer you some great starting points. As you may have noted, they are a bit too technical for the average computer user. This is why expert advice and intervention is by all means necessary.
