Encountering an "Access denied" message when trying to access a website can be frustrating. If you got an error message when visiting our website, this is probably due to your IP address being blocked by the firewall.
Let's see if your IP address has been blocked: The easiest way to figure out if your IP has been blocked is to try connecting to the website using another IP address. If you were visiting the website with your computer connected to the WI-FI, you can try to connect using a different connection, for example, try to access our website using your cell phone using data rather than it being connected to your wifi.
If you can access our website using a different connection, it means that probably your IP address has been blocked.
There are many reasons this can happen, such as too many login attempts, outdated software, malware, and spam. The good news is that you can check the status of your IP at WhatIsMyIPAddress — just click Check IP Address. Your IP address is automatically filled in, and the site will report if it appears on any of these lists. It's good to also cross-check with these other popular services: MXToolbox, and BlacklistMaster.
If you find that your IP address has been blacklisted, it is advisable to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance. They can check their internal blacklists and provide you with information about the status of your IP address. Your ISP may also be able to guide you on the steps to take in case your IP address is indeed blacklisted.
What can you do now to get past the IP block?
Change your IP address
In the same way, you figured out your IP was blocked, try connecting to the website using another IP address. If you change your network or location, you automatically get a new IP address. If it's an option, change your Wi-Fi network. You can also reboot your internet modem. When you reboot the modem (turn it off, wait two to three minutes, then turn it back on) it'll refresh all the IP addresses on the network.
Use a VPN
If you are unable to change your IP address and the other troubleshooting steps didn't help, you have one last option at your disposal: You can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN hides your IP address and lets you connect to websites with an IP address that appears to be coming from another location. It's commonly used to provide additional privacy and security, but it can also be used to help you circumvent an IP block.
Contact Us
Please feel free to reach out to us via chat, email: support@costbook.com or give us a call at 800-829-8123. Our tech support team will work with you to figure out a solution. We are here for you.