Can't access specific website

[Rogatien]

I manage a small WordPress website. Earlier today I connected to the site and everything seemed fine, but then suddenly I couldn't do anything with it.

I disconnected from the site and then found I could not access it at all--not even as a visitor to the site.

The problem extends to the several computers on my WiFi network, but I have checked with the hosting provider and a couple of other people outside my network, and they see the site just fine.

I bounded the router (HH300) and that didn't help.

In fact, I can see it too, from my phone, when I turn off WiFi.

Anyone got any ideas about what may be happening and how I might proceed? 

[Rogatien · Accepted solution]

The problem DID get resolved.

I chatted at some length with Bell Expert Tech Support, who took control of my machine, saw the problem and made 2 suggestions: [1] I could call Bell Internet Tech Support (the gave me a number) and [2] maybe my hosting provider had blocked my IP address.

The second seemed unlikely, since I had been working with the site for some time, but, JIC, I checked with them, and LO! It turns out that a block of IP addresses that had previously been assigned to someone my hosting provider considered a bad actor had just be re-assigned to Bell. My hosting provider had blocked that IP range, and when the transfer took effect (which must have been while I was connected to the site) the blockage kicked in and I was kicked out!

Tracert showed a timeout always at the same hop, presumably at a server in the blocked range.

The hosting provider removed the block and and all was well.

[JRB]

i use web site that hosts my consulting business and associated emails. always easy accessible.

for last several days i receive "site can't be reached" timed out error.

In my home i can not get access through Apple or Windows devices, on any browser via wifi or hard wire.

However, it can be accessed at my neighbours who are using Rogers. I can access through cellular data on my iphone but if i turn on the wifi - i lose connection.

anyone have any insight?

[Blocking our own website]

All of a sudden we can’t access our own company website via our Bell internet!   What is going on?  I see we are not the only ones experiencing this over the past month!  Our website is hosted by google.   We can access easily still with other internet providers.

[PeterSh]

Suddenly, when trying to connect to a German gov. Website I keep getting a message: "Safari can't establish a secure connection

[Vanadiel]

Could be the security certificate has expired, or you are being redirected to a different location.

You can read more here: Security certificates 

[PeterSh]

I saw that same message: 'security certificate has expired' - but what can be done about it? The website in question is German Sate Archives which I have used for 20 years...

[Vanadiel]

Sometimes they forget to renew the security certificates. There's nothing much you can do as they have to renew it. All you can do is try to contact someone within their organization to make them aware about the issue you are experiencing.

Sometimes you can contact them regarding website issues using a specific email, like webmaster@x or something like that. You might want to check their web site for contact information and see what comes up.

[Bruce Reid]

I am unable to login to the Canada Revenue Agency website when I use the Bell wifi. But I can connect when using my phone as a hotspot. It seems that Bell is blocking access to the CRA login pages

Is this a known issue? We've been calling CRA for their help, but it looks like the problem is on Bell's side. Perhaps the IP range is blocked?

[BellPatricia]

Hi @Bruce Reid,

Thanks for reaching out to the Bell Community 🙂

By chance are you using a VPN while connected to your home Wi-Fi?

- Patricia

[Vanadiel]

For CRA there's always a high chance of fraudulent web sites that try to fish for information. The correct site is https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html

Be sure to check your link and browser for any possible attempts to redirect you to a fraudulent CRA web site.

When dealing with any Financial web site, ALWAYS check the Security Certificate using your browser. It only takes a mere seconds and it ensures you are at the correct location: How to Check SSL Certificates in every browser 

[Bruce Reid]

Hi Patricia, I do not have a VPN on my internet connection.

[Bruce Reid]

Thanks Vanadiel, but I'm certain that I was not on a phishing website. I was on "https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/digital-services-individuals/account-ind... and clicked on the Sign-In Partner button. The "https://ams-sga-cra-arc.fjgc-gccf.gc.ca/" address comes from that button link.

I just checked, and Bell is still not allowing access to the sign-in partner page of the Canada Revenue site. I was able to use my phone as a hotspot and connect with no issues, so the issue no longer affects me. But it might affect others, especially with the tax season heating up.

[Vanadiel]

I can get to https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/cra-login-services/sign-partners-help-fa... without an issue.

However, you cannot use the direct link as it has to be accessed from the sign in partner's site. So https://ams-sga-cra-arc.fjgc-gccf.gc.ca/"  will not work as that is a direct link. I don't know what sign in partner that links belongs to, but you should be able to access it from the sign in partner site.

[Bruce Reid]

I cannot access the sign in partner site. I offered that URL in hopes that Bell would be able to solve their problem. I've only tried to connect to the partner sign-in page through the cra site, by clicking on the button. The URL is to an authentication server, I assume. From my efforts, I believe the IP address of the auth server is mistakenly being blocked by Bell. I know other people are not having this issue, maybe because they are not in the same service area as I am. But really I have no idea. Below is the error message that I get when trying to access the sign in partner page using the Bell wifi.