Weak hashing algorithm

  • (Error) "An unknown hashing algorithm was used to sign the certificate."
  • (Warning) "A weak hashing algorithm was used to sign the certificate."

Problem

Continued use of weak hashing algorithms certificates puts your clients' sensitive data at risk and will cause browsers to display warnings. Warnings create mistrust when connecting to a site and can cause clients to avoid your site.

Hashing algorithms are used to generate SSL Certificates. Discovery checks your SSL/TLS certificate as well as its issuing intermediate certificate.

Algorithms once thought of as secure and unbreakable have become either weak or breakable. For example, MD5 once thought to be a secure and unbreakable hashing algorithm went from being a strong hashing algorithm to a weak hashing algorithm to a broken hashing algorithm.

Solution

Reissue or renew your certificate using a supported hashing algorithm, such as SHA-2.

About

DigiCert is the world's leading provider of scalable TLS/SSL, IoT and PKI solutions for identity and encryption. The most innovative companies, including 89% of the Fortune 500 and 97 of the 100 top global banks, choose DigiCert for its expertise in identity and encryption for web servers and Internet of Things devices. DigiCert supports TLS and other digital certificates for PKI deployments at any scale through its certificate lifecycle management solution, CertCentral®. The company is recognized for its enterprise-grade certificate management platform, fast and knowledgeable customer support, and market-leading security solutions. For the latest DigiCert news and updates, visit digicert.com or follow @digicert.

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