How to Use IP Address Blocker in cPanel

Managing your website's security is crucial, especially when you run a business or host multiple sites on Go4hosting's cloud or shared hosting platform. One essential security feature provided by cPanel, the popular web hosting control panel, is the IP Address Blocker. This tool helps you block unwanted visitors or malicious users from accessing your website by restricting their IP addresses.

In this guide, we will walk you through how to use the IP Address Blocker in cPanel to safeguard your website effectively.

What Is the IP Address Blocker in cPanel?

The IP Address Blocker (also called IP Deny Manager) is a simple yet powerful tool that allows you to block specific IP addresses, IP ranges, or even entire countries from accessing your website hosted on a server with cPanel.

You can use it to:

• Prevent spam or brute-force attacks.
  

• Block abusive users.
  

• Restrict access from specific geographic regions.
  

• Control bandwidth usage and enhance site security.
  

Once an IP address is blocked, visitors from that address will see an error message when attempting to access your site.

Why Should You Use IP Address Blocking?

Here are some common reasons to use the IP Address Blocker:

• Security: Block hackers attempting unauthorized access.
  

• Spam Prevention: Prevent repeated spam or comment spam attacks.
  

• DDoS Mitigation: Limit traffic from suspicious IPs to reduce distributed denial of service attacks.
  

• Traffic Control: Restrict access from bots or crawlers that consume bandwidth.
  

• Compliance: Enforce geo-restrictions for regulatory or licensing reasons.
  

How to Access IP Address Blocker in cPanel

Before you start blocking IPs, you need to log into your cPanel account.

Step 1: Login to cPanel

• Go to your cPanel login URL (something like https://yourdomain.com:2083 or via Go4hosting client area).
  

• Enter your username and password.
  

Step 2: Locate the IP Blocker Tool

• Inside cPanel, scroll to the Security section.
  

• Click on IP Blocker or IP Deny Manager (the name can vary depending on your cPanel version).
  

How to Block an IP Address or Range in cPanel

Step 3: Add an IP Address to the Block List

You will see a field labeled "Add an IP or Range" where you can enter the IP address you want to block.

What Can You Enter?

• Single IP Address:
  Example: 192.168.1.1
  This blocks a specific IP.
  

• IP Range Using Dash:
  Example: 192.168.1.1-192.168.1.255
  This blocks a range of IPs within the specified limits.
  

• CIDR Format:
  Example: 192.168.1.0/24
  This blocks all IP addresses in the subnet 192.168.1.0 to 192.168.1.255.
  

Step 4: Click the "Add" Button

After entering the IP or range, click Add. The IP(s) will be immediately blocked and added to the list below.

How to View and Manage Blocked IPs

Once you add bulk IP addresses, they appear in the Current IP Addresses Denied Access list.

Step 5: Managing the Block List

• To remove an IP or range, simply click the Delete link next to the entry.
  

• Confirm the removal. Once deleted, the IP will no longer be blocked.
  

Important Considerations When Blocking IP Addresses

1. Avoid Blocking Legitimate Users or Yourself

Be cautious when blocking IP addresses. Accidentally blocking your own IP or a range containing your IP can lock you out of your website or control panel.

• To check your current IP, you can visit whatismyipaddress.com before adding a block.
  

• If you accidentally block yourself, you may need to contact Go4hosting support to restore access.
  

2. IP Addresses May Change (Dynamic IPs)

Many users have dynamic IP addresses that change regularly. Blocking a single IP may block someone temporarily but won't prevent them from accessing the site if their IP changes.

3. Blocking Entire Countries

If you want to block traffic from an entire country, IP blocking through cPanel can be tedious because you have to block multiple IP ranges. For advanced geo-blocking, consider using firewall solutions like CSF (ConfigServer Security & Firewall) or third-party security plugins.

Alternatives and Enhancements to IP Blocking

While IP blocking is useful, consider these complementary security measures:

Use Firewall Rules

At Go4hosting, we support advanced firewall configurations that can filter traffic based on IP, port, and protocol, providing stronger protection than IP blocking alone.

Use Security Plugins or WAF

For CMS platforms like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal, security plugins (e.g., Wordfence, Sucuri) include IP blocking and firewall capabilities.

Enable Hotlink Protection

Prevent other sites from using your content and bandwidth.

Monitor Traffic Logs

Regularly check your access logs to identify suspicious IPs and block them proactively.

Troubleshooting IP Address Blocker Issues

Cannot Block an IP

• Ensure you have proper permissions in cPanel.
  

• IP addresses must be correctly formatted.
  

• Check if your hosting plan restricts IP blocking (contact Go4hosting support).
  

Blocked IP Still Accesses Site

• The user might be using a VPN or proxy with different IPs.
  

• Their IP may have changed.
  

• Check if there are conflicting firewall rules or CDN settings overriding cPanel blocks.
  

Why Choose Go4hosting for Your cPanel Hosting?

Go4hosting offers robust cPanel hosting solutions with:

• Easy-to-use control panels including IP Address Blocker.
  

• 24/7 expert support to assist with security configurations.
  

• Managed and unmanaged server hosting plans tailored to your needs.
  

• Enhanced firewall and security options for your peace of mind.
  

• High uptime and reliable cloud infrastructure.
  

Summary: Steps to Use IP Address Blocker in cPanel

Conclusion

Blocking unwanted IP addresses is a straightforward and effective way to improve your website security and reduce malicious traffic. Using the IP Address Blocker in cPanel, especially on your Go4hosting hosting account, empowers you to control who can access your web assets.

Always be cautious when blocking IPs to avoid locking out legitimate users, and combine IP blocking with other security best practices for optimal results.

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