diff --git a/programs/pluto/ikev2_auth.c b/programs/pluto/ikev2_auth.c
index ad5e3b5ede..fe75d6ea37 100644
--- a/programs/pluto/ikev2_auth.c
+++ b/programs/pluto/ikev2_auth.c
@@ -862,7 +862,7 @@ stf_status submit_v2AUTH_generate_initiator_signature(struct ike_sa *ike, struct
 						       &signed_octets);
 		if (d != NULL) {
 			llog_diag(RC_LOG_SERIOUS, ike->sa.logger, &d, "%s", "");
-			return false;
+			return STF_FATAL;
 		}
 
 		if (DBGP(DBG_CRYPT)) {