Webshield causes ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR

AVG Protection
1

Hi all,

Since this morning, I’ve been having serious issues browsing the internet with Chrome. As long as AVG’s Webshield is active, I can’t access any site — I get the following error on all HTTPS pages:

ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR

Turning off Webshield fixes the issue immediately, and browsing works normally after that. The problem seems worst in Chrome. Edge has some timeouts, but doesn’t consistently throw the same SSL error.

My setup:

  • Browser: Chrome Version 135.0.7049.42 (Official Build) (64-bit)
  • OS: Windows
  • Internet: Wired (no Wi-Fi)
  • VPN/Proxy: Not in use

I haven’t made any recent changes or received update notifications. This started completely out of the blue this morning. I haven’t added exceptions or altered AVG settings recently.

What I’ve tried:

  • Turning off Webshield (fixes the issue)
  • Testing with Edge (shows timeouts, but no SSL errors)
  • No VPN or other security software running

I’ve seen several reports of this same issue, but without resolution.
Is there a workaround or explanation? Any insight would be appreciated — thanks in advance!

2

Well, it works now, without having done anything.

If it was the first time this happened, I wouldn’t be so bothered. But it’s not. This is the third or fourth time in a year that AVG’s Web Shield has randomly started breaking HTTPS access — and just as randomly fixed itself again.

Not a single reply from AVG this time, nor from anyone else. That says enough.

I’ve cancelled automatic renewal for my subscription, and unless AVG gets this under control soon, I’ll be switching to the competition when my current plan ends. I recommend others consider doing the same — reliable security software shouldn’t interfere with basic browsing or leave you in the dark when it does.

3

I found the solution to the error in the following guide:- https://certera.com/blog/how-to-fix-err-ssl-protocol-error-in-chrome/. You may refer to the article and help in solving the error.

I hope it helps!

4

Thanks!

I’ll keep this in mind for the next time Webshield acts up again.