Why can't I access the Skype website (error NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID)?

sjelly

6/19/23, 11:29 AM

Whether I use Firefox or Chrome, I'm not able to access the https://skype.com/en/ website. I get the following on Chrome:

Your connection is not private Attackers might be trying to steal your information from www.skype.com (for example, passwords, messages, or credit cards). Learn more NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Subject: www.skype.com

Issuer: Cisco Umbrella Secondary SubCA fra-SG

Expires on: Feb 22, 2022

Current date: Feb 19, 2022

And on Firefox:

Warning: Potential Security Risk Ahead

Firefox detected a potential security threat and did not continue to www.skype.com. If you visit this site, attackers could try to steal information like your passwords, emails, or credit card details.

What can you do about it?

The issue is most likely with the web site, and there is nothing you can do to resolve it.

If you are on a corporate network or using anti-virus software, you can reach out to the support teams for assistance. You can also notify the web site’s administrator about the problem.

I am on Ubuntu 21:10, fully updated (just completed sudo apt update/upgrade, which I do every day or so) and restarted my PC. I've also noticed for that the last few days that I can't access https://dropbox.com, getting the same security warnings.

0 + 0

security

skype

Jos

6/19/23, 2:00 PM

I get a totally different certificate path when I access that site. The issuer is Microsoft RSA TLS CA 02, and the certificate is valid until July 23, 2022.

Score:0

Ubuntu

dariox

6/19/23, 2:14 PM

This is probably related with your DNS server. Are you in a corporate environment? Maybe those sites are being filtered.

You can get some clues with dig. This is what I see on my machine:

$ dig skype.com

; <<>> DiG 9.10.3-P4-Ubuntu <<>> skype.com
;; global options: +cmd
;; Got answer:
;; ->>HEADER<<- opcode: QUERY, status: NOERROR, id: 26835
;; flags: qr rd ra; QUERY: 1, ANSWER: 5, AUTHORITY: 0, ADDITIONAL: 1

;; OPT PSEUDOSECTION:
; EDNS: version: 0, flags:; udp: 4096
;; QUESTION SECTION:
;skype.com.         IN  A

;; ANSWER SECTION:
skype.com.      240 IN  A   40.76.4.15
skype.com.      240 IN  A   40.112.72.205
skype.com.      240 IN  A   40.113.200.201
skype.com.      240 IN  A   104.215.148.63
skype.com.      240 IN  A   13.77.161.179

;; Query time: 33 msec
;; SERVER: 208.67.222.222#53(208.67.222.222)
;; WHEN: Sat Feb 19 11:07:36 -03 2022
;; MSG SIZE  rcvd: 118

Compare the answer section, then check if the IP's you are getting match with those legitimate owned by skype (i.e. check with some whois online tool). Of course I'm only guessing; it may be another completely different problem; dig is only one tool, but usually can help to point out in the right direction.

0 + 0

sjelly

6/19/23, 8:24 PM

Thank you. Your answer triggered me to check my DNS settings, remembering that some time ago I decided to manually define my DNS (rather than accept the default coming from my ISP). I've reverted to an "auto" DNS address and hey presto I can access Skype and Dropbox again.

Elon Musk

I sit in a Tesla and translated this thread with Ai:

EN: Why can't I access the Skype website (error NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID)?

TH: เหตุใดฉันจึงไม่สามารถเข้าถึงเว็บไซต์ Skype ได้ (ข้อผิดพลาด NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID)

RO: De ce nu pot accesa site-ul web Skype (eroare NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID)?

RU: Почему я не могу получить доступ к веб-сайту Skype (ошибка NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID)?

VI: Tại sao tôi không thể truy cập trang web Skype (lỗi NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID)?

Post an answer

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