This error message typically appears when a database client, such as DBeaver, attempts to establish a secure connection (HTTPS/SSL/TLS) with a database server but encounters an issue with the server’s SSL certificate. The client software cannot verify the authenticity of the certificate presented by the server. This can occur for several reasons, including an expired certificate, a self-signed certificate not recognized by the client’s trust store, or a certificate issued by an untrusted Certificate Authority. For example, connecting to a development database using a self-signed certificate often triggers this error.
Secure connections are crucial for protecting sensitive data transmitted between client and server. A valid certificate path ensures the server’s identity and prevents man-in-the-middle attacks. Resolving certificate issues is fundamental for maintaining data integrity and security. Historically, reliance on trusted Certificate Authorities has evolved to address the increasing need for secure online communication, particularly in sensitive contexts like database access.
