Maybe you operate a business that scrapes public web data, or you’re trying to visit your favorite website to watch a video or read an article, and then, out of nowhere, bam! You’re blocked. A message comes up and says, “Access Denied” or “You’re not allowed to view this site.” This kind of block happens because of an IP ban.
Doesn’t it feel unjust? It’s natural to feel upset when something you need or enjoy is suddenly taken away. Thankfully, there are several ways around an IP ban. This article will explain what an IP ban is, why it happens, and smart ways to get around it, such as using proxies.
How an IP Is Blocked
An IP ban is a network service configuration that blocks requests from hosts with specific IP addresses. It is commonly used to evade abuse and block access to an annoying address. It’s worth pointing out that sometimes you won’t be able to access a website not only due to your IP address alone but also your MAC address, short for Media Access Control. Since some sites could ban you as a result of one or both of these, knowing the cause is necessary.
For the internet, your IP address is like your home address. It tells websites the location of your computer or phone. When you visit a website, your IP address is sent along with your request, like leaving a return address on a letter. Sometimes, websites block certain IP addresses in a process known as an IP ban. It’s like getting locked out of a clubhouse because someone wrote your name on a “not allowed” list.
Reasons for an IP Ban
The length of an IP ban is up to the discretion of a platform. Sometimes, the host may ban you for a couple of minutes or hours. At other times, it could be for days or months. Most severe of all: You get permanently banned. While there might be several reasons why an IP would be banned, here are the most common:
- Excessive Requests
Sending too many requests to a website will put extra stress on the server and hence result in poor performance of the site. In web scraping, generally, extracting information requires sending too many requests to the server.
- Malicious Activities
Websites often use IP bans correctly to block users for malicious behaviors, like DDoS attacks and hacking attempts. If a server detects an IP address behaves suspiciously, it will blacklist the address to prevent potential attacks.
- Violating Terms of Service
Users must follow the guidelines provided on websites. A website can ban an IP address if a user breaks these terms.
For example, if an IP address engages in spamming, distributing any illegal content, or posting hate speech, then it may find itself in bannable territory.
How to Get Around an IP Ban
As effective as these prohibitions might be, there’s always a way to turn them around to regain access to any given website. Consider the following approaches if you wish to bypass an IP ban:
- Use Proxies
The simplest way to lower the risk of detection and bans for companies that heavily rely on web scraping is to integrate a proxy server into their workflow. Employing residential proxies bestows users with legitimate IP addresses with nary a risk of ending up blocked. These proxies use IPs from real residential devices, making them appear as genuine users.
- Responsible Scraping
When collecting information from websites, make sure your speed doesn’t overload their servers. Put in place delays between requests. Rate limitation can lessen the possibility of activating anti-bot measures by simulating human browsing activity.
- Employ a Secure Network
Make sure your network and computer are safe. Malicious software can affect the reputation of your IP, which can result in bans. You can avoid such problems with routine security audits and updates. By installing a robust firewall and antivirus software, you can protect your system from dangers.
- Monitor IP Reputation
Use web resources to keep a regular eye on the reputation of your IP address. Certain services offer information on whether your IP address has been reported for questionable activity. Take urgent corrective action if you observe such problems. You have two options: change your IP address or investigate the reason behind the flag. Maintaining access and lowering the possibility of future bans depend on a positive IP reputation.
Final Thoughts
Getting your IP blocked can be a major barrier. To keep your digital journey seamless and have free access to the data that you seek, you need to know how to get around these restrictions and, more importantly, how to avoid them in the future. Using proxy servers is a common way to bypass IP bans.
By adopting responsible online behaviors and adhering to web scraping ethics, you can ensure your web activities don’t attract unwanted attention.