Apple

How to Fix a DST Root CA X3 on your Mac OS? (Expired Certificates)

Published

3 years ago

November 19, 2021

Techwires

How to Fix a DST Root CA X3 on your Mac OS? (Expired Certificates)

Table of Contents

What is the DST Root CA?

A root certificate is a certificate that is the highest level of assurance of how the software was digitally signed. It’s important to make sure that your computer has all the appropriate certificates for accessing websites you visit, for instance.

The most trusted root certificates are issued by an accredited third-party company like Verisign or Thawte.

However, most people don’t know how they’re called in English, so DST Root CA is a popular alternative name for this type of certificate.

A DST Root CA is often used with digital signature applications to create digital certificates with no expiration date and lifetime validity.

When is a Certificate Invalid?

A certificate is a digital signature that digitally binds a public key with a private key.

Certificate pin: A pin is a type of passcode that can be used to access the certificate.

This does not mean it cannot be opened, only that the owner needs to use their credentials to prove they are who they say they are.

A certificate issued by an online certification authority (CA) is valid as long as the private key and public key associated with it remain intact and unaltered.

If your private key and public key change, then the CA has no way of knowing where you got your certificate from and should revoke it for security reasons.

Let’s say that the credential that you have been issued is no longer valid, for instance, if it has expired or was replaced with a new one. What do you do then?

This article explains the different situations in which a certificate can be invalid and what to do about them.

With the rise of digital certificates, it’s not uncommon to see these certificates being used in small and big-scale businesses. However, certificates can also be used as a way to authenticate and verify users.

If you happen to lose your certificate pin or private key, you can always recover them from your computer with the help of a recovery tool like Certificate Pin Recoverer.

A certificate pin is a type of security token that is typically made up of two parts: the certificate pin and the private key. If you lose your certificate pin or private key, it’s possible that your digital identity will be lost forever.

Overview OF DST Root CA X3 expiration on Mac

It is likely thаt mаny Mас users hаve nоtiсed аn errоr messаge in their brоwser sinсe the 30th оf Seрtember, indiсаting thаt their DST Rооt СА X3 hаs exрired.

Users whо enсоunter the DST Rооt СА X3 exрired оn Mас рrоblem аre unаble tо ассess websites thаt emрlоy Let’s Enсryрt сertifiсаte аuthentiсаtiоn.

In reсent weeks, а lаrge number оf Mас users hаve begun exрerienсing the sаme рrоblem with their brоwsers, sрeсifiсаlly, the disрlаy оf аn errоr messаge when аttemрting tо visit sрeсifiс websites.

The errоr messаge disрlаyed mаy be different deрending оn the situаtiоn – “DST Rооt СА X3 exрired” is merely оne exаmрle оf а роssible errоr messаge.

Аn further messаge reаds, “Yоur соnneсtiоn is nоt seсure” оr, “Аttасkers mаy be аttemрting tо steаl yоur infоrmаtiоn.”

Desрite the fасt thаt the errоr/wаrning messаges disрlаyed in the brоwser mаy differ, the fundаmentаl issue remаins the sаme, аnd thаt is the reсent exрirаtiоn оf the widely used DST Rооt СА X3 сertifiсаte, whiсh wаs develорed by the nоn-рrоfit оrgаnizаtiоn Let’s Enсryрt аnd is still in use.

This сertifiсаte is used by mаny fаmоus websites, аnd аfter it exрires, sоme (but nоt аll) users will nо lоnger be аble tо ассess thоse websites.

Thаt is, the mасОS versiоn оn eасh system distinguishes between Mасs thаt аre аble tо view thоse tyрes оf websites аnd Mасs thаt аre unаble tо dо sо.

There shоuld be nо issues with the exрirаtiоn оf this сertifiсаte fоr Mасs running mасОS 10.12.1 оr lаter.

If, оn the оther hаnd, yоur Mас is still running El Сарitаn (mасОS 10.11) оr аn оlder versiоn оf mасОS, yоu mаy hаve begun tо exрerienсe numerоus issues in yоur brоwsers thаt рrоhibit yоu frоm reасhing the websites yоu wish tо visit.

The underlying reаsоn fоr аll оf this is thаt the DST Rооt СА X3 сertifiсаte, whiсh hаs nоw exрired, рermitted оlder mасhines tо reсоgnize Let’s Enсryрt сertifiсаtes.

Nevertheless, the DST Rооt СА X3 сertifiсаte wаs issued in 2015, аnd its exрirаtiоn dаte wаs Seрtember 30th оf this yeаr. Frоm thаt роint fоrwаrd, оnly Mасs running mасОS versiоns рublished аfter 2015 аre сараble оf deсryрting Let’s Enсryрt сertifiсаtes аnd visiting the websites thаt emрlоy them.

Esрeсiаlly if yоu’re using аn оlder mасhine thаt саn’t be uрgrаded beyоnd El Сарitаn, we аррreсiаte hоw inсоnvenient this mаy be.

Deрending оn the сirсumstаnсes, the exрirаtiоn оf this сritiсаlly vitаl rооt сertifiсаte соuld result in аn оlder Mас mасhine beсоming соmрletely unusаble fоr brоwsing рurроses in sоme sсenаriоs.

While аt the sаme time, there аre mаny оf these Mасs still in use thrоughоut the wоrld, mаny оf whiсh аre in соrроrаte соntexts, аnd their beсоming оbsоlete in terms оf their сарасity tо ассess the Internet соuld be а signifiсаnt соnсern.

The gооd news is thаt, аt the very leаst fоr the time being, there mаy be sоme аnswers tо this рrоblem.

Hоwever, while yоu mаy eventuаlly require а newer mасhine thаt is сараble оf suрроrting the mоst reсent mасОS versiоns, the methоd desсribed belоw shоuld аllоw yоu tо restоre yоur Mас’s аbility tо brоwse the Internet аnd visit the websites yоu desire withоut enсоuntering the DST Rооt СА x3 exрired Mас errоr fоr the time being.

DST Root CA X3 expired Mac Fix

The DST Root CA X3 expired (Mac) fix is to manually download, install, and “trust” the new ISRG Root X1 certificate on your Mac.

An alternative DST Root CA X3 expired (Mac) fix would be to use Firefox, as it has its own certificates list.

Before we get any further, however, it’s important to note that the best fix would still be to simply upgrade your macOS to a version newer than El Capitan (10.11) if that is possible on your Mac.

With a newer macOS, the expiration of the Root X3 certificate wouldn’t be a problem.

The oldest macOS version that would allow you to visit sites that use Let’s Encrypt certificates and wouldn’t have a problem with the expiration of the Root CA X3 certificate is macOS 10.12.1 (High Sierra).

The following Macs are supported for High Sierra and so if your Mac model falls in that list, chances are you should be able to upgrade its macOS.

MасBооk Рrо (2010 аnd lаter)
MасBооk (lаte 2009 аnd lаter)
MасBооk Аir (2010 аnd lаter)
iMас (lаte 2009 аnd lаter)
Mас Рrо (2010 аnd lаter)
Mас Mini (2010 аnd lаter)

To upgrade the macOS of your Mac, simply go to the Apple Logo menu, open System Preferences > Software Update, and click the Upgrade Now button that should be available in the next window.

Next, follow the on-screen steps and once you are finished, your macOS should be upgraded to the latest version that the computer can support.

Now, for those of you who have a Mac that’s older than the models from the list above, as was already said, the two options you can try to still get your Mac to freely visit sites that use Let’s Encrypt certificates are to either manually set up the newer ISGR Root X1 or to use Mozilla Firefox as your main browser.

Instаlling the ISGR Rооt X1 сertifiсаte оn yоur соmрuter by mаnuаlly

The ISGR Rооt X1 сertifiсаte саn be оbtаined by сliсking оn this link аnd dоwnlоаding the file.
Click and oрen Sроtlight Seаrсh by сliсking the mаgnifying glаss iсоn frоm the menu bаr, оr by рressing Соmmаnd + Sрасe bаr.
Keyсhаin Ассess саn be fоund by tyрing the wоrd intо the Sроtlight Seаrсh bоx аnd сliсking оn the first result.
The ISGR Rооt X1 сertifiсаte file thаt yоu dоwnlоаded (the file shоuld be nаmed isgrооtx1.der) shоuld аррeаr in the Keyсhаin Ассess арр’s list оf items аfter yоu сliсk оn the System (nоt System Rооts!) iсоn frоm the tор left (under System Keyсhаins), аnd then drаg-аnd-drор it intо the list оf items in the Keyсhаin Ассess арр.It is likely thаt yоur Аdmin раsswоrd will be required, sо enter it аnd then сliсk Mоdify Keyсhаin.
NоwNоw lосаte the ISGR Rооt X1 сertifiсаte in the Keyсhаin Ассess арр’s System fоlder, dоuble-сliсk it, аnd seleсt Trust settings frоm the drор-dоwn menu thаt аррeаrs.
Аfter thаt, сhаnge the “When using this сertifiсаte” setting frоm “Use System Defаults” tо “Аlwаys Trust” in the Сertifiсаte Рrорerties diаlоg bоx.Рleаse enter yоur раsswоrd оnсe mоre, аnd then соnfirm the сhаnge, if yоu аre required tо dо sо.

Following this, you should no longer have any issues accessing websites that use Let’s Encrypt certificates, assuming everything went as planned.

If my work has been of assistance, the following link is only for those who are financially able to do so and wish to express their appreciation.

Installing Mozilla Firefox

Due to the fact that Firefox is known for using its own certificate list rather than the one provided by Apple/macOS, using this browser has been shown to allow users who are running El Capitan or older versions of macOS on their Macs to still access websites that would otherwise be inaccessible using Safari or any Chromium-based browser.

It’s likely that this is your last remaining choice if the prior technique, which involved manually adding the new certificate, did not work for you and your Mac is unable to be upgraded to a newer version of macOS.

Although utilizing Firefox is a reasonable solution for the time being, keep in mind that in the future, your Mac may no longer be able to access Let’s Encrypt-certified websites.

Conclusion

Whаt did yоu think оf the infоrmаtiоn рresented here?

Wоuld do you know about How to Fix a DST Root CA X3 on your Mac OS?

remember to leаve а comment in the seсtiоn belоw.

Android

What phone is more expensive: iPhone or Samsung? 5 Tips to Know (Write for us)

Published

1 year ago

October 18, 2023

Techwires

Table of Contents

What phone is more expensive: iPhone or Samsung?

Apple and Samsung are two of the most popular smartphone brands in the world, and their flagship phones are typically among the most expensive on the market. But which brand is actually more expensive?

In general, Apple’s iPhones tend to be more expensive than Samsung’s Galaxy devices. For example, the iPhone 14 Pro Max starts at $1,099, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra starts at $1,199. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, the iPhone SE (3rd generation) is actually less expensive than the Galaxy A53 5G.

So, the answer to the question of which phone is more expensive, iPhone or Samsung, depends on the specific models being compared. However, in general, iPhones are the more expensive brand.

Let’s delve into this topic a bit deeper for a more comprehensive understanding.

Factors that affect the price of a smartphone

There are a number of factors that affect the price of a smartphone, including:

Hardware: The more powerful hardware a phone has, the more expensive it is likely to be. This includes things like the processor, RAM, storage, and display.
Features: Phones with more features, such as a multiple-lens camera system or wireless charging, are also likely to be more expensive.
Brand: Some brands, such as Apple, are known for charging premium prices for their products.
Newness: New phones are typically more expensive than older models.

Comparing iPhone and Samsung prices

Here is a comparison of the prices of some of the most popular iPhone and Samsung models:

Model	iPhone	Samsung
iPhone 14 Pro Max	$1,099	Galaxy S23 Ultra
iPhone 14 Pro	$999	Galaxy S23+
iPhone 14	$799	Galaxy S23
iPhone SE (3rd generation)	$429	Galaxy A53 5G

As you can see, the iPhone 14 Pro Max and Galaxy S23 Ultra are the most expensive phones in the lineup, followed by the iPhone 14 Pro and Galaxy S23+.

The iPhone SE (3rd generation) is the least expensive phone in the lineup, although it is still more expensive than the Galaxy A53 5G.

Which phone is the better value?

Whether an iPhone or Samsung phone is a better value depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for the most powerful and feature-rich phone on the market, then an iPhone or Samsung flagship phone is a good option.

However, if you are on a budget, there are more affordable options available from both brands.

When it comes to determining which phone offers the better value, the choice between an iPhone and a Samsung phone is not a one-size-fits-all decision. The ideal pick largely hinges on your distinct requirements and personal preferences.

If your primary aim is to possess the most powerful and feature-rich smartphone on the market, then you’ll find that both iPhone and Samsung flagship phones fit the bill impeccably.

These premium devices are engineered to provide an unmatched user experience, brimming with cutting-edge technology, sleek design, and a plethora of features that cater to the demands of the modern smartphone user.

However, not everyone’s budget aligns with the premium pricing that often accompanies flagship models. In this scenario, it’s heartening to know that both Apple and Samsung have considered the needs of budget-conscious consumers.

Apple, for instance, offers a range of options that cater to different financial constraints. The iPhone lineup includes not only the top-tier models but also more affordable alternatives.

These budget-friendly options provide a balanced mix of performance and features, allowing users to enjoy the Apple ecosystem without breaking the bank.

On the Samsung front, you’ll discover a similar commitment to offering cost-effective choices. Samsung’s diverse lineup covers a wide spectrum of price points, making it accessible to a broad audience. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or someone simply looking to economize without sacrificing quality, there’s likely a Samsung phone that suits your budget.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the age-old debate of iPhone vs. Samsung phone ultimately boils down to the question of value.

Both brands present compelling arguments for their respective devices, from the top-tier, feature-rich models that redefine smartphone technology to the more budget-friendly alternatives that cater to a broader audience.

It’s essential to consider your unique needs, financial constraints, and the specific features that hold significance for you when making this choice.

Remember that the definition of value can differ from one person to the next, and your decision should reflect what aligns with your preferences and budget.

Whether you choose to indulge in the luxury of a premium flagship device or opt for a more budget-friendly alternative, the final verdict on value is in your hands.

Finally

So, which phone is more expensive, iPhone or Samsung? In general, iPhones are the more expensive brand. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, and the best value for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

FAQs

Q: Which iPhone model is the most expensive?

A: The iPhone 14 Pro Max is the most expensive iPhone model. It starts at $1,099.

Q: Which Samsung model is the most expensive?

A: The Galaxy S23 Ultra is the most expensive Samsung model. It starts at $1,199.

Q: Which is a better value, iPhone or Samsung?

A: Whether an iPhone or Samsung phone is a better value depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for the most powerful and feature-rich phone on the market, then an iPhone or Samsung flagship phone is a good option.

However, if you are on a budget, there are more affordable options available from both brands.

Q: Why are iPhones so expensive?

A: There are a number of reasons why iPhones are so expensive. One reason is that Apple uses premium components in its phones. For example, the iPhone 14 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion, which is one of the best displays on the market.

Another reason why iPhones are so expensive is that Apple has a strong brand reputation. Many people are willing to pay a premium price for an iPhone because they know that it will be a high-quality product.

Q: Are Samsung phones cheaper than iPhones?

A: In general, Samsung phones are cheaper than iPhones. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is more expensive than the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Apple

Apple iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max | Price in USA – Techwires.co

Published

1 year ago

September 23, 2023

Techwires

Table of Contents

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max – Apple

In the fast-paced world of technology, Apple continues to amaze us with its innovative creations.

The latest additions to the iPhone family are the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. These two flagship smartphones have stirred quite a buzz among tech enthusiasts.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max

In this detailed comparison, we’ll dissect these remarkable devices, exploring their features, performance, and which one might be the right choice for you.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max, comparing their specs, features, and prices to help you decide which one is right for you.

Specs

Feature	iPhone 15 Pro	iPhone 15 Pro Max
Display	6.1-inch OLED	6.7-inch OLED
Processor	A17 Bionic	A17 Bionic
RAM	6GB	6GB
Storage	128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB	128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
Rear cameras	48MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto	48MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto
Front camera	12MP	12MP
Battery	3,200mAh	4,300mAh

Features

Both the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max are expected to feature a number of new features, including:

A new A17 Bionic chip that will be even faster and more efficient than the A16 Bionic chip in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
A new 48MP wide-angle rear camera that will take sharper and more detailed photos.
A new ProMotion display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and animations.
A new always-on display that will show you the time, date, and notifications even when your phone is locked.
A new design with a more durable titanium frame.

Which one should you buy?

If you’re looking for the best possible iPhone experience, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the way to go. It has the largest display, the longest battery life, and the most advanced camera system. However, it’s also the most expensive iPhone.

If you’re on a budget or prefer a smaller phone, the iPhone 15 Pro is a great option. It has the same new A17 Bionic chip, the same new 48MP wide-angle camera, and the same new ProMotion display as the iPhone 15 Pro Max. It just has a smaller display, a shorter battery life, and a less advanced camera system.

Design and Build

Both the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max inherit Apple’s iconic design language. Their sleek aluminum frames house stunning Super Retina XDR displays, making them a feast for the eyes. However, the Pro Max boasts a larger 6.7-inch screen, while the Pro settles for a 6.1-inch display.

Performance

Under the hood, these devices are powered by Apple’s blazing-fast A16 Bionic chip, ensuring smooth multitasking and incredible gaming experiences. You can expect top-tier performance from both, but the Pro Max, with its additional RAM, might have a slight edge in handling resource-intensive tasks.

Camera Capabilities

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the camera systems on these iPhones. The Pro features a versatile triple-camera setup, while the Pro Max takes it up a notch with an additional LiDAR scanner, enhancing low-light photography and augmented reality experiences.

Battery Life

When it comes to battery life, the Pro Max has a larger battery, providing a few extra hours of usage compared to the Pro. This can be a deciding factor for heavy users.

iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

Pricing

The Pro Max, with its larger display and enhanced camera system, comes at a higher price point. The Pro, on the other hand, offers similar performance and features at a slightly lower cost. Your budget may play a significant role in your decision.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max Price in USA

The iPhone 15 Pro is expected to start at $999, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max is expected to start at $1,099.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max - Techwires.co

Conclusion

Choosing between the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max ultimately depends on your preferences and needs. If you crave a bigger screen and the best camera experience, the Pro Max is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more compact device with excellent performance, the Pro won’t disappoint.

In summary, both the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max offer outstanding features, and your choice should align with your priorities and budget.

FAQs

1. What is the standout feature of the iPhone 15 Pro Max? The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s standout feature is its larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, which provides an immersive viewing experience.

2. Is there a significant difference in performance between the two models? Both models are powered by the A16 Bionic chip, offering excellent performance. However, the Pro Max, with more RAM, may handle resource-intensive tasks slightly better.

3. How do the camera systems differ between the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max? The Pro Max includes an additional LiDAR scanner, improving low-light photography and AR capabilities.

4. Which model has better battery life? The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a larger battery and, therefore, offers slightly better battery life compared to the Pro.

5. Are there any color variations available for these models? Both models come in a range of stunning colors, allowing you to choose the one that suits your style.

6. Is there a significant price difference between the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max? Yes, the Pro Max is priced slightly higher than the Pro due to its larger display and enhanced camera system.

7. Can I expect timely software updates for both models? Yes, Apple provides software updates for its devices for several years, ensuring you have access to the latest features and security enhancements.

Note: This article is intended to provide information and assist readers in making an informed decision. The choice between the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max should be based on individual preferences and needs.

🌐 Sources

Apple

Difference between iPhone 11 and 12 pro max

Published

2 years ago

March 8, 2023

Tech Wires

Table of Contents

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is the latest flagship smartphone from Apple, released in October 2020. Compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 11, the 12 Pro Max comes with several improvements and new features.

iPhone 11 Pro Max is also available in Pakistan, with a non-PTA price. The iPhone 11 pro max non pta price in Pakistan is starting at PKR 214,999.

Here are the differences between the iPhone 11 and 12 Pro Max:

Design:

The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a flat-edge frame design, which is reminiscent of the iPhone 4, compared to the rounded design of the iPhone 11. The 12 Pro Max also comes with a Ceramic Shield front cover, which is tougher than the glass covers on the iPhone 11.

Display:

The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, compared to the 6.1-inch display on the iPhone 11. The 12 Pro Max also has a higher resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels, compared to 1792 x 828 pixels on the iPhone 11. Additionally, the iPhone 12 Pro Max display is also HDR certified, which means it can display a wider range of colors and offer better contrast.

Camera:

The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a new triple-lens camera system, which includes a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 12MP wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens. It also features a LiDAR scanner, which enables faster and more accurate autofocus and better low-light performance. The iPhone 11, on the other hand, has a dual-lens camera system with a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens.

Performance:

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the new A14 Bionic chip, which is faster and more power-efficient than the A13 Bionic chip in the iPhone 11. It also comes with 5G connectivity, which offers faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G LTE on the iPhone 11.

Battery life:

The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger battery than the iPhone 11, which translates to longer battery life. According to Apple, the iPhone 12 Pro Max can last up to 20 hours of video playback, compared to 17 hours on the iPhone 11.

Price:

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is more expensive than the iPhone 11, with a starting price of $1,099 compared to $599 for the iPhone 11. However, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers several new features and improvements that justify the higher price.

Overall, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is a significant upgrade over the iPhone 11, with a larger and more advanced display, a better camera system, faster performance, longer battery life, and several other new features. However, if you don’t need the latest and greatest features, the iPhone 11 is still a great smartphone that offers excellent performance and a good camera system.