May 24, 2011 07:42 GMT  ·  By

It appears that users who updated their Motorola ATRIX 4G smartphones to the latest 4.1.83 firmware version are now having troubles running any banking application that has been previously installed on the phone.

Everyone was so thrilled by the fact that the latest software update will also bring them the highly-anticipated HSUPA fix, that no one thought that they will have issues with other features that were previously working smoothly.

The firmware version update 4.1.83 for Android 2.2.2 includes several improvements such as :

- 2G/EDGE mobile hotspot capability; - Increased potential data speeds; - Yahoo! E-mail enabled over Wi-Fi.

However, what Motorola and AT&T have failed to inform users is that the software update also includes new SSL certificates that seem to have been screwing around with any banking apps installed on the ATRIX 4G rendering them useless.

Fortunately, Motorola engineers are already aware of the issue and are working to fix it via another minor maintenance software update.

One of the handset manufacturer officials recognized the problem as being an issue related to an upgrade in the SSL certificates used by the phone.

Given the fact that certificates are periodically pushed out of service due to well-recognized security weaknesses, the new ones are sometimes prone to become incompatible with mobile devices because of the services that choose to keep the old certificates.

Based on the feedback from ATRIX 4G owners, Motorola stated that some of the applications affected by this issue include Bank of America, American Express, Discover and Chase, while others like Wells Fargo and Citibank might continue to work properly.

A workaround is also provided by Motorola, but it's not the actual solution to the issue. Basically, the browser can be used to access the affected institution on-line banking functionality.

After a warning will be shown about certificates when accessing the banking site, users should select “Continue.”

Once confirmed that the certificate is from the corresponding financial institution they will be able to proceed to the website.