Suddenly can't use SKYPE or access its website (SSL error)

Be_Happy

I've been trying to sort this for 2 days now and getting nowhere.  Has anyone come across the problem.
Been using SKYPE with no problem till this week.  Now can't use and when trying to contact Skype website for help only got SSL error cipher mismatch message.  Tried on Chrome and Firefox with same result.
I have installed Norton Antivirus Plus, replacing Avast,  this week and spent an hour on their help chat line yesterday trying various uninstall and reinstall methods, but nothing changed, so it seems to be unconnected with Norton.
Can't download new Skype as unable to access website.  Have a feeling Skype had a new version recently, but not sure.
Can do without Skype, but it has been really useful when contacting family and friends during Coronavirus lockdown.

arciere

Sometimes certificates give errors if the date and time on your computer are wrong (or if they were wrong when you installed the security software).
Can you take a screenshot of where it says SSL error?

Be_Happy

I've spent another day checking things on this.  Date and time are correct.

However I think I'm making progress.  SSL error seems to be appearing on every website using HTTPS.  Happens on PC using windows and tablet and mobile using android.  All three use different antivirus.  BUT no problem if I switch off BT wifi hub and use mobile data on phone so problem must be with some security setting in BT hub.  I've switched off BT web protect which may take up to 2 hours to change, so I'll see what happens then.

arciere

Check here: https://community.bt.com/t5/BT-Fibre-broadband/quot-ERR-SSL-VERSION-OR-CIPHER-MISMATCH-Unsupported-protocol/m-p/1998481

Be_Happy

Well turning off web protect didn't work.  arciere followed your link and it sounds promising.  I've switched off parental controls - no kids in the house - (thought this was something I would have to add on and had never done, but seems it is automatically included) and will have to wait 2 hours to see if it's going to work.  Only problem is I've been able to access all https sites until this week, so don't know why access should suddenly fail.

arciere

It could be that the BT hub received a firmware update or something like that.

DoaM

Which BT Hub do you have?

Be_Happy

Can't thank you enough arciere.  Went through your link, switched off parental control, and it worked.  

I can now use skype and access its website and others which were giving me the same SSL error message.  I've been trying to fix this since Friday evening, spending most of Saturday on it (just as well I'm in 'lockdown').

Off now to Skype grandson and tell him I'm back on line.  Still can't believe I'm not going to get that error message again.

Be_Happy

DoaM said:

Which BT Hub do you have?

Think it's the superhub (broad grey stripe across front).