Hello everyone,
If you have noticed the site running slowly or acting unusual periodically over the last few weeks, your observations were correct. Our server has been under significant pressure due to a high-volume automated attack. Over the last 24 hours alone, the site was targeted by over 400,000 systems attempting to scrape our content. Most web sites would have been unable to handle the volume of attacks or the sheer number of the attackers.
To mitigate the attacks, I first had to write a set of custom tools to identify and block the attackers. Rather than targeting the individual connections, due to the sheer volume of attackers, I was forced to implemented blocks on specific AS numbers (networks responsible for this activity). This allows us to stop unwanted traffic before it impacts our server resources, ensuring a more stable experience for our members.
As a result of these updates, you should notice:
- Improved Speed — Pages should load more quickly and reliably.
- Better Stability — The server is now better equipped to handle regular community activity.
- Enhanced Security — These measures provide additional protection for our platform's data and privacy.
I will continue to monitor the situation closely. If you encounter any persistent lag, receive error messages, or have difficulty connecting, please let me know.
If you are traveling abroad and find yourself unable to access the site, please reach out so I can verify that your connection hasn't been caught in these broader network blocks.
Thank you for your patience while these technical improvements were being made. It is a priority to keep our community running smoothly for everyone.
