Level 1

89 points

Safari can't establish a secure connection

I am using Safari 11.1

As of today, I cannot access the site of Private Internet Access (PIA VPN). Persistent error message: "Safari can't establish a secure connection". The VPN is not engaged, I didn't change any parameters in system preferences, and all else is working fine. I ran EtreCheck which showed no issues and emptied caches but to no avail. The only thing I can think of is a faulty certificate and/or Apple's latest security update installed a few days ago, but then, such updates have never caused any problems before.

Does anyone has an idea?

iMac, macOS High Sierra (10.13.3), null

Posted on Apr 5, 2018 8:44 AM

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dubwisedude Author

Level 1

89 points

Posted on Apr 5, 2018 3:06 PM

Hi Eric,

as you suggested, I logged-in using another admin account - the issue remained.

However, looking at my Sophos dashboard I saw that Sophos had blocked said site (along with an online latin dictionary) under these parameters: Webfiltering - Adult and Potentially Inappropriate - Proxies and Translators. This is the first time ever! I set the block to "Warn" and gained renewed access to PIA. So it appears that the culprit is found.

As for Sophos itself, I use the free home version for years as I occasionally receive MS word files, and recently it eliminated a malware threat contained in a download. Get rid off it anyway? How about using free Malwarebytes in frequent checkups?

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28 replies

dubwisedude Author

Level 1

89 points

Apr 8, 2018 8:19 AM in response to Eric Root

Hi there,

yes, Sophos is gone and no other AV software installed. I verified the clean uninstall, I repaired the Photos library, I ran a terminal command to verify/repair permissions in the "Home" folder. I am at the end of my rope, Eric. I toy with the thought of restoring the Photos library via Time Machine and then retry...

dubwisedude Author

Level 1

89 points

Apr 8, 2018 9:29 AM in response to Eric Root

Safe-boot made, the attachment and posting issues remained unchanged. By the way, the image info states 868KB so I assume there's something, but where?! I also came across a post here that says that, as of High Sierra, restoring the Photos library from an external disc is no longer recommended as it will be most likely corrupted - and my backup is on the Time Capsule.

I guess that's it then, Eric, we're at the end of our line, at least for now. I wonder whether it's worth it to call Apple support for this or else I'll leave it as is hoping that the issues will somehow be ironed-out in time.

Thank you for bearing with me and your kind and unwavering help, man. If by any chance you ever come across something that promises help with this, please, let me know...

dubwisedude Author

Level 1

89 points

Apr 9, 2018 9:43 AM in response to Eric Root

Eric, I succeeded with posting a new thread with the Mail/Photos issue (Support Communities - Mac OS & System Software - Mac OS High Sierra)...don't ask my why, I did basically the same as on April 8...so, don't bother and thanks for asking.

;-)

dubwisedude Author

Level 1

89 points

Apr 9, 2018 4:07 PM in response to Eric Root

Maybe it had to do with the starting point - I began with the community's start page, logged-in, chose the concerned hardware, entered my question and text, and finally chose a software category (an option I have not previously come across when unsuccessful). To be retried...

Take care, Eric!

dubwisedude Author

Level 1

89 points

Apr 5, 2018 10:03 AM in response to Eric Root

Hi Eric,

thanks for your swift reply. How do I access it from another admin account?

I'll have EtreCheck generate another report as I didn't keep the previous one and will post it later.

Eric Root

Level 10

685,257 points

Apr 6, 2018 7:50 AM in response to dubwisedude

You are welcome. Best wishes to you.

Eric Root

Level 10

685,257 points

Apr 8, 2018 8:15 AM in response to dubwisedude

Have you uninstalled Sophos yet? That may be causing the posting problems and your Mail problems.

Sophos Un-install

dubwisedude Author

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89 points

Apr 8, 2018 2:04 PM in response to Eric Root

Thanks for the info - perhaps I'll try this later, Eric. Can you pinpoint me to the location of the Photos library in High Sierra 10.13.4?

Eric Root

Level 10

685,257 points

Apr 8, 2018 2:18 PM in response to dubwisedude

It should be in your User/Home folder/Pictures. If you don't see it in the Finder Sidebar, go to Finder/Preferences/Sidebar/Favorites and check the last item (with the house).

Eric Root

Level 10

685,257 points

Apr 9, 2018 8:25 AM in response to dubwisedude

Did you try making a new post while in the Safe Mode?

dubwisedude Author

Level 1

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Apr 9, 2018 9:30 AM in response to Eric Root

Yes, Eric, as mentioned in one of my message from April 8 - the problem persisted. Do you have any thoughts on this?

Eric Root

Level 10

685,257 points

Apr 9, 2018 2:34 PM in response to dubwisedude

I've read other posts where people were having problems posting. The hosts are looking into it. I'm glad you were finally able to post.

dubwisedude Author

Level 1

89 points

Apr 8, 2018 2:58 PM in response to Eric Root

Got it, was simple enough (folder with Photos icon), sorry for having bothered you with this but I was not sure. Am duplicating it now. I'll see in the course of the week whether or not reinstating an older version will resolve the current problem.

By the way, after extensive online comparisons, I finally purchased Malwarebytes premium. Not that I suspect anything grave could happen, but I'll try it for a year.

Any idea yet why I had troubles posting a new thread to the community?

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Safari can't establish a secure connection