Unable to install an app on 2012 Mac mini running macOS 10.11.6

I'm trying to install a cloud back-up application and when I try, I get the following message: "Peer certificate cannot be authenticated with given CA certificates". I have no clue what that exactly means, and the app company had no insights. They said it wasn't on their end, must have something to do with the MacMini. Any thoughts? The MacMini is a Late 2012, OS is 10.11.6


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Mac mini, OS X 10.11

Posted on Feb 17, 2025 12:50 PM

Reply
2 replies
Sort By: 

Feb 17, 2025 1:55 PM in response to MrDigitalGraphics

It means there was some sort of security issue with one side or the other.


A security certificate that one side or the other was trying to use was NOT recognized as valid by the CA (Certificate Authority) that was being consulted to determine if the certificate was any good.


In the absence of validation, some systems might not let you proceed. Others might let you proceed, but only without the security that a valid certificate would have implied. (I.e., accept an invalid certificate at its word and there is a danger that you are connecting to bad guys.)


I don’t know which certificate, on what side, but that is the general meaning of the error message.

Reply

Feb 24, 2025 8:56 AM in response to Servant of Cats

Thanks for the explanation. So is there a general way to "update" the CAs? The app support folks seem to think it's on the Apple side, not their side. What's odd is I had no problems installing it on an older MacMini. When it gave up the ghost, I had this "newer" one available and didn't think I would have any issues installing the software on it. I'm wondering if I should upgrade to OS 10.15.7. What can of worms will that open? :(

Reply

Unable to install an app on 2012 Mac mini running macOS 10.11.6

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.