Connecting using SSL results in secure socket init() failed error

Attempts to connect to the remote system with an SSL connection result in the error secure socket init() failed: Socket closed by remote.

Symptom

Clients are unable to connect to the host with an SSL connection. The FEKIVPD job fails when SSL is enabled.

Cause

The z/OS® server must have the Root and the Intermediate certificates added to the key ring. It necessary to ensure that the exact name of both the Root and the Intermediate certificates exist in the z/OS key ring.

Diagnosing the problem

GSK SSL traces on the host show which specific certificates are being requested. Use racdcert certauth list commands to display the certificates on the remote system.

Resolving the problem

The remote system server must have the applicable Root and Intermediate certificates in the key ring.