How To Fix ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT Error

We browse the internet daily and expect our experience to be smooth and secure. However, nothing is more frustrating than running into error messages when you attempt to access online content on a static or dynamic website. One disturbing error is the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT. Although this issue is uncommon, it can be just as disruptive to your browsing experience.

The good news is that this error typically arises from problems on your end, meaning it’s a client-side issue. Because of this, you should be able to resolve it without needing external help. The solutions are usually straightforward and don’t take much time to implement.

In this tutorial, you’ll first learn about the err ssl bad record mac alert error, then we explain what commonly causes the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error. Finally, we walk you through six easy ways to troubleshoot and fix it. By following these steps, you can restore your access to online content quickly and smoothly.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. The ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error happens when there’s an issue with the secure connection to a website.
2. Using an Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi helps bypass network issues that might cause this error.
3. Updating your device’s operating system ensures compatibility with the latest security standards, reducing the chances of errors.
4. Disable HTTPS inspection in your antivirus to prevent it from interfering with SSL connections.
5. Updating or disabling network adapters like the Killer Network Card may solve network-related errors.
6. Turning off the Killer Prioritization Engine in the Killer Intelligence Center can stop it from causing interference.
7. Adjusting the MTU settings on your router can improve your connection stability and prevent SSL errors.

What Is ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT Error?

The ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error is an issue that occurs when your browser tries to connect to a website securely but runs into a problem. While it might seem related to the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate on the website, this error is often not a server-side issue.

Instead, it’s often caused by problems on the client side, meaning it’s something to do with your computer or device rather than the website’s server.

This error happens when there is a problem with the encryption process used to protect your information. The “MAC” in the error name translates to “Message Authentication Code”. This security code ensures the data being transferred hasn’t been tampered with.

When you see ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT, it shows the browser received data that failed this check, indicating that the data might have been corrupted or altered.

Let’s give an example. Imagine you are sending a secret message to a friend. You put a special seal on the message to ensure it’s not opened or changed before it reaches your friend.

When your friend receives the message, they check the seal to ensure it is intact. If the seal is broken, they know that the message may have been tampered with. Similarly, when your browser sees the NET::ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error, it’s like discovering the seal on a message has been broken. The browser stops the connection to protect your data from possible threats.

The err ssl bad record mac alert error can happen on various devices that use web browsers to access the internet. This includes desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

When you use popular browsers, the error can appear on different operating systems, such as macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. However, it’s a rare error, typically witnessed in the world’s most popular web browser, Google Chrome. Here’s how it appears (Source: Stackoverflow.com):

Now that you know what the err ssl bad record mac alert is and where you can see it, let’s dive into the reasons that may trigger this error.

Causes Of ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT Error

One common cause of the NET::ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error is using Wi-Fi optimizer hardware or software, such as the Intel Killer network card.

These tools are designed to enhance your internet speed by prioritizing certain types of traffic, but sometimes, they can interfere with secure connections, particularly the Killer(R) Wireless-AC 1550i Wireless Network Adapter (9560NGW).

It can sometimes cause the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error because certain configurations within the Killer Intelligence Center may interfere with your ability to connect securely to some websites.

Another reason this error might appear is due to issues with your router, especially those related to Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) settings. MTU settings control the size of data packets sent over the network. If these settings aren’t configured correctly, it can mess up secure connections and cause the error to appear.

Outdated operating systems (OS), especially on Windows computers, can trigger this error, too. If your system software isn’t updated, it might not support the latest security protocols, which can result in connection problems. Thus, keeping your operating system updated is important as it ensures compatibility with secure websites.

Finally, general network configuration issues can also lead to the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error. If there are problems with your network setup, like incorrect settings or configurations, your device may not establish a secure connection. By recognizing and fixing these issues, you can prevent this error and enjoy a smoother, safer browsing experience.

How To Fix ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT Error

There are several simple steps you can take to fix the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error. Try out different solutions, until you find what works best for your situation.

Let’s start with the easiest fix and work up to more technical solutions. Each step helps you move closer to solving the problem, so follow along, and you’ll have your connection back in no time!

Plug In An Ethernet Cable

Sometimes, the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error can be caused by problems with your wireless connection. Wi-Fi signals can be unstable or weak, causing interruptions in how your device communicates with websites securely.

By plugging an Ethernet cable directly into your computer, you can establish a more stable and reliable connection to the internet. This wired connection reduces the chances of interference and data loss, which can help resolve the error. With a stronger, more stable connection, your browser can handle SSL connections more effectively, reducing the likelihood of encountering the error.

If you don’t have an Ethernet cable handy, try moving closer to your modem or router to get a stronger Wi-Fi signal, or restart your router to refresh the connection. These simple steps often solve connection problems and get you back to browsing without errors. However, if the error still appears, don’t worry; we have more solutions to try!

Update Your Operating System

Keeping your operating system updated is important because updates often include security fixes and improvements that help protect your computer from new threats. When you don’t update, your system might be vulnerable to issues like viruses, malware, or even errors like the NET::ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT. Updating ensures your computer runs smoothly and stays safe. Here’s how you can update Windows OS:

Click on the Start (the Windows icon in the bottom-left of your screen) menu and select the gear icon to open Settings.

In the Settings window, look for the option labeled Update & Security and click on it.

Once you’re in the Update & Security section, click on the Check for updates button.

It’ll start checking for updates.

If some updates are found, it will automatically start downloading and installing it.

Lastly, you might need to restart your computer to apply changes (in our case, we were not asked to restart our PC). So, updating your device and operating system can often resolve the error and improve your computer’s overall security and performance. If the issue persists, continue to the next solution for further troubleshooting.

Disable HTTPS Inspection In Antivirus Software

If there is no issue with your internet connection and your device’s operating system, you might have problems with HTTPS Inspection. HTTPS Inspection is a security feature some antivirus software uses to scan the data transmitted between your browser and secure websites.

It works by temporarily decrypting the data, checking it for threats like viruses, and then re-encrypting it before sending it to your browser. This process helps protect your computer by ensuring that harmful content doesn’t reach you, even from secure websites.

However, sometimes HTTPS Inspection can cause problems. For example, if the antivirus software doesn’t handle the re-encryption properly or conflicts with the browser’s settings, this can lead to errors like ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT. This happens because the browser detects something is interfering with the secure connection and blocks it to keep your information safe.

So, if you believe HTTPS Inspection is causing the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error, you can try disabling it in your antivirus software. Here are the steps to do that:

Start by opening the antivirus program installed on your computer. You can usually find it by clicking on its icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of your screen) or through the Start menu. To make it easy, we demonstrate both ways to open Avast antivirus.

Once the Avast is opened, click Menu → Settings → Protection → Core Shields. Then, navigate to Configure shield settings and switch to the Web Shield tab.

Now you need to uncheck the Enable HTTPS Scanning option. This will stop the antivirus from inspecting secure connections.

After disabling HTTPS Inspection, restart your web browser and try to revisit the website to see if the error is resolved. Remember that turning off this feature may reduce some of the protection offered by your antivirus software, so only disable it if necessary.

Update Or Disable Killer Network Card Or Network Adapter

As we already mentioned, you may be using Killer network cards for your specific requirements; for instance, many gamers use them to boost the performance of their gaming computers.

These network cards and adapters are created to ensure desktop devices can connect to Wi-Fi quickly and reliably. They are popular because they help reduce lag and provide a smoother online gaming experience.

However, Killer network cards can sometimes lead to issues, such as the err ssl bad record mac alert error. This problem can occur with certain Killer network adapters, making it difficult to browse the web securely.

For instance, many users have reported that the Killer(R) Wireless-AC 1550i Wireless Network Adapter (9560NGW) can trigger this error. The error happens when there’s a miscommunication between the network card and the domain name you are trying to access.

To fix this error, update the software for your Killer network card or network adapter. Newer software versions often include fixes for known issues, and updating can help resolve the NET::ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error. This step is usually fast and can be done by checking the manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers.

If updating the driver or software doesn’t fix the error, disable the network adapter temporarily. This step should be a last resort because it can prevent your computer from connecting to the wireless network.

Important: Before disabling the network adapter, try other troubleshooting methods to see if the problem can be solved another way. Disabling the network adapter can be a way to test if it’s the cause of the error, but it’s not a permanent solution if you need a stable internet connection.

Turn Off Killer Prioritization Engine In Killer Intelligence Center

Many computers come equipped with Intel Killer products designed to enhance network performance. These products include special software called the Killer Intelligence Center (formally called Killer Control Center).

This software helps manage your computer’s wireless network setup, showing details about your network, the access points you use, and how much of your network’s resources are being used. It aims to provide a better and faster internet experience by managing how your network traffic is handled.

Within the Killer Intelligence Center, you have a feature called Killer Prioritization Engine, previously known as Advanced Stream Detect. Its main job is to manage your network traffic automatically.

It prioritizes certain online activities, like gaming or streaming videos, to ensure they have the fastest and most stable connection possible. This way, your important tasks get more bandwidth, which makes your internet experience smoother.

However, the Killer Prioritization Engine can sometimes cause problems. One known issue is that it can lead to the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error when you attempt to connect to certain websites securely. If you’re experiencing this error, it’s recommended you disable the Killer Prioritization Engine to see if it resolves the problem.

To disable the Killer Prioritization Engine, follow these steps:

1. Find and launch the Killer Control Center or Killer Intelligence Center on your device.
2. Once the software is open, look for the Settings menu.
3. Within Settings, you should find the option to disable the Killer Prioritization Engine. Switch it off.

After disabling the feature, reload the webpage that showed the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error. You will then see whether turning off the prioritization engine fixes the issue.

Increase The Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) Of Your Router

If the previous methods didn’t resolve the issue, you can try to increase your router’s Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU). It’s a setting on your router that determines the size of data packets sent over your network. If the packets are too small, it can slow your connection and cause errors.

Therefore, finding the right MTU size helps improve your internet speed and reduce errors. How? If the MTU is set too low, it can cause problems with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) connections, leading to the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error. So, in this case, increasing the MTU size can help prevent these problems and ensure your internet connection is smooth and reliable.

Follow these steps to change MTU settings:

Open your web browser and write your router’s IP address (usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1; however, yours may change) into the address bar. Log in using your router’s username and password.

Then, look for the MTU setting, usually under the WAN section, and increase the MTU size to a higher number, like 1400 to 1500 bytes. 1500 bytes is the maximum MTU size. Lastly, save the changes and restart your router. Now, you should be able to access your website without any issues.

Important:

Contact the Internet Service Provider if you have trouble finding the MTU settings.

FAQs

Other Related Tutorials & Blogs:

– How To Fix PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR Connection Error

– How To Fix ERR_OSSL_EVP_UNSUPPORTED Error

– How To Fix ERR_UNKNOWN_URL_SCHEME Error

– How To Fix ERR_TUNNEL_CONNECTION_FAILED Error

– How To Fix SSL_ERROR_NO_CYPHER_OVERLAP Error