Technical problems with logging in to this blog
May 23rd, 2013 at 07:45am
It has come to my attention that some people may be seeing a page which simply says “not acceptable” when they attempt to log in to this blog. This, unfortunately, is a necessary (and hopefully temporary) security measure which has been put in place by my web host VentraIP in order to combat an ongoing worldwide attack against WordPress installations. This security measure is outside of my control and I can not prevent this error message from appearing, however I can provide some help to overcome it.
The message should only appear if you load the login page a certain number times in a short period of time (as my web host has not made the exact number of page loads and the exact period of time available publicly, I will not disclose it at this time), and it should be noted that displaying the login page and submitting your username and password count as two separate loads of the login page.
If you see this message, your best option is to wait a couple minutes and try again. If that doesn’t help, try clearing your browser’s cache before trying again. Although the “not acceptable” page should not be cached by your browser, in my testing I found that my browser did cache it and was displaying it even when the server was trying to accept or decline a log in or log out attempt and serve up the appropriate page.
The attack against WordPress installations has been going on for quite some time now, so this security measure could be around for a while. As much of a nuisance as the security measure may be, it is far better than the alternative of having servers overloaded by automated attempts to break in to administrative accounts of WordPress installations; and even though I would like to see a greater number of loads of the login page permitted before the “not acceptable” message is displayed, I trust that my web host has not picked an arbitrary number and has instead picked a number which accurately reflects the necessary measures to limit the impact of the ongoing attack.
If problems persist, let me know and I’ll do what I can to help you log in.
Samuel
Entry Filed under: Blog News
4 Comments
1. nbrettoner | May 23rd, 2013 at 8:49 am
Hi Samuel,
Just letting you know that I could log in ok; on first attempt.
Not sure if I notified you that due to vehicle problems my five-week trip away (including Canberra) April-May has had to be cancelled. 🙁
Depending on available funds etc I may attempt the trip maybe Oct-Nov. (So that’s a double-maybe; “may….maybe”) 🙂
Keep warm, & may your vehicle stay reliable ! 🙂
2. nbrettoner | May 23rd, 2013 at 9:03 am
Ahah!
Just tried logging out (I ‘got in’ on my 1st attempt), & was presented with the “not appropriate” message.
And by going ‘back’ one web-page, I find I’m still logged in.
Am trying to log off again.
3. nbrettoner | May 23rd, 2013 at 9:04 am
Interesting. This second attempt at logging off looks normal. 🙂
‘bye
4. Samuel | May 23rd, 2013 at 9:16 am
I don’t think you did tell me about your cancellation. That is quite a shame. Hopefully the postponed trip goes well.
And yes, the “not appropriate” page seems to strike at the least convenient times. I’m not entirely convinced that it is operating to the exact specifications explained to me by my web host, but I don’t have enough proof to challenge it and a slightly-more-random nature than the one which was explained, may actually have some benefits, albeit coupled with frustrations.