What is causing the ‘sec_error_cert_signature_algorithm_disabled’ error?
We investigated this particular issue by looking at various user reports and the repair strategies that most affected users have operated in order to resolve the issue. Based on what we gathered, there are several common culprits that are known to trigger this particular error: If you’re currently struggling to resolve this Firefox issue, this article will provide you with several troubleshooting steps that other users in a similar position successfully used to get the issue fixed. The methods below are ordered by efficiency and severity, so please follow them in order until you stumble upon a fix that resolves the issue in your case.
Method 1: Renaming cert.db & deleting cert_override.txt
Several affected users have reported that the issue was resolved after they renamed the cert8.db or cert9.db file and deleting the cert_override.txt file from the Firefox profile folder. This operation will remove intermediate certificates and exceptions that Firefox currently stores, which should, in turn, resolve the sec_error_cert_signature_algorithm_disabled error. Here’s a quick guide on how to do this: If you’re still seeing the same error message, move down to the next method below.
Method 2: Uninstalling the Adware app
There are several malware/adware products that are known to trigger this particular error message. While there are certainly other variations of this, the E-Rewards Notify App is by far the most commonly reported culprit when it comes to the sec_error_cert_signature_algorithm_disabled error. Several affected users have reported that the issue was resolved after they used the Programs and Features window to uninstall the adware that is producing the error. Here’s a quick guide on how to do this: If you’re still seeing the same error message, move down to the next method below.
Method 3: Performing a malware scan
If you weren’t able to pinpoint and eliminate the adware/malware that was causing the issue, using a security scanner to identify the culprit is about your only choice by now. Several affected users have reported that a malware scan identified and eliminated a nasty browser hijacker. Based on our personal experience, there are few better free security scanners capable of dealing with browser hijackers than Malwarebytes. To eliminate the possibility of a malware/adware causing the sec_error_cert_signature_algorithm_disabled error, follow this article (here) to initiate a deep scan with Malwarebytes. Once the scan is complete, restart your computer and reinstall your Firefox browser at the next startup. This step is necessary because, in the event of a browser hijacker, some infected browser files will have been deleted in the cleaning process.
Method 4: Disabling HTTPS filtering (Avast only)
As some users have reported, this particular issue can also occur if you’re using Avast! antivirus. Turns out that in some scenarios, Avast! might trigger a false positive thinking a MITM (man in the middle) is underway on your computer. We investigated this possibility thoroughly and it turns out that AVAST! is notorious for sending out details of your connections (IIRC), which ends up triggering the sec_error_cert_signature_algorithm_disabled error in Firefox. If this scenario is applicable to your current situation, you will be able to deal with the false positive by opening your Avast Settings, going to Main settings and ensuring that the checkbox associated with Enable HTTPS scanning is disabled. Once the change has been operated, restart your computer and see if the issue has been resolved. If this particular method wasn’t applicable, move down to the next method below.
Method 5: Manually Install Kaspersky’s antivirus root certificate in Firefox
If you’re using a 64-bit version of FireFox with Kaspersky, the sec_error_cert_signature_algorithm_disabled error might occur because your Firefox installation is missing the antivirus root certificate. Here’s a quick guide on fixing the issue if this scenario is applicable: If you’re still encountering the sec_error_cert_signature_algorithm_disabled error, move down to the next method below.
Method 6: Adjusting the security.pki.sha1_enforcement_level value
Some affected users that had issues with accessing Facebook Workspace and a few other similar services have reported that the issue was resolved after they accessed the advanced settings of firefox and adjusted the Security Enforcement Level value. This procedure will reconfigure your Firefox browser to accept SHA-1 certificates without any further checkups, which will end up eliminating the issue. However, going this route might leave your browsing sessions open to security attacks. If you decide to go this route, here’s what you need to do:
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