Selected ISP Support → Windstream > [Troubles] Siemens Subscription Security Certificate

[Troubles] Siemens Subscription Security Certificate

Sorry this is going to be a long post.

First I'd like to say I have communicated with support once via phone and twice via chat. For several weeks we have experienced intermittent connection difficulties... The speedstream 4200 screen appears, says there is no DSL connection .... Yes we have turned it off and on, checked to see if there is dial tone, checked the wire connections. Attempts to log in and setup PPP often state that the PPPoe isn't trained.

Windstream personnel say everything on the system is fine. The phone rep said I probably need a new modem and proceeded to try to sell me one along with insurance to fix problems in the future with my lines etc. I said I will consider it.

On a recent attempt to reset the modem in the speedstream screen I encountered a "welcome new customer" screen in my browser. I clicked on the chat button and asked why this was appearing. The chat rep said it was possibly due to a power failure or an upgrade in their system. So I entered all of my information anew on the web page. Even though it LOOKED like a windstream webpage I didn't feel comfortable.

During the last few weeks we also get certificate errors on various trusted sites like google and also recevied warnings in Thunderbird when it checks my gmail. It states that the certificate doesn't match and asks me to override... which I haven't done yet. I copied the certificate this last time. The certificate is from Siemens Subscription Service... which happens to be the modem manufacturer. This doesn't happen every time I check my mail only about half the time.

I chatted with a Windstream rep this morning about the certificate issue she said I could upgrade my modem. She seemed to be ignoring my end of the conversation, saying my browser needed to be updated etc. Nope, none of my browsers or email clients need an update. I told her that the modem is not my primary concern, but I wanted to report the odd security certificate issue. I said please report this to your supervisors and she ok, thanks - can I help you with something else.. etc.

I would like input as to what the certificate errors are all about and also some guidance as to what modem to purchase to replace the 4200. I tried to research the certificate errors online and some of the articles are alarming about utility company security flaws and others not so alarming.

Any advice will be appreciated.

We apologize that you are having problems with certificate issues. For us to advise please provide the phone number your DSL service is under or visit us at our Direct Support Forum »Windstream Direct. We'll take a look and be in touch. A few questions we have, What is your operating system?Also provide what version of IE you are using?
Please provide specific error you are receiving?
Thanks
Patricia
Support Specialist II
Broadband Tier II
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We're here to help! wci.broadbandhelp@windstream.com

Lets try changing the port to 110 in your email set up of Thunderbird. What version are you using of that 3.1?
Let me know if that helps.
Thanks,
Patricia
Support Specialist II
--
We're here to help! wci.broadbandhelp@windstream.com

Thanks for getting back to me. Google/Gmail ports are automatically set by Thunderbird. Tbird Version is 24.0 with various addons. I am accessing at least 10 different email accounts in Thunderbird and there are only 1 or 2 POP accounts with the standard port of 110. I have been using Thunderbird for my email accounts for MANY years without security certificate warnings. Above, I have said that the modem settings say there is no DSL connection. A new modem came in the mail today and I am testing it right now. Hopefully it will rectify the situation. Time will tell. I will post back tomorrow as to the situation with the security certificates.