Logging in using VPN.

[aaronr]

Hello I'm not sure what the issue is but I can't log into the hitech Creations home page nor the bbs without first disabling my VPN connection which is local within 30 mi from here.
I get this.


I find it odd that I can log into the game server with no problems using the VPN.
It's a minor inconvenience to have to change it to post here. I wonder if there is a setting I can change on my end. I'll check the VPN Gui for a exclude/pass thru type thing but no luck so far waiting from VPN for answer on email I sent yesterday.

[Vulcan]

Sometimes HTC block IPs based on some naughty traffic. These generally seem to be public shared IP (I encountered it once from an airport lounge wifi).

If you are using a VPN anonymizer then this is likely the case, and Skuzzy may not want to unblock it if it has been associated with nefarious traffic historically.

Is it a work VPN or something else?

[aaronr]

It's a paid private VPN. I've been using it for some time and haven't been blocked before.
I also find it odd that I was able to play online thru the VPN, only this server bbs/HTC home page are blocked.

[Skuzzy]

Happy to research it.  I just need the IP address in question.

We do actively block open VPN relays.

[aaronr]

Is it OK to post it here in the open or should I PM the IP I was assigned to you?
OK I got the last one assigned to me 209.107.214.72  IPVanish.
It's a Seattle server I'm about 30 mi away, I can get a new IP address any time just by clicking if needed but my fastest ones are in Seattle, so most will have the 209 at the beginning.

[Gman]

AAronr, I have several VPNs, 4 at the moment, IPVanish is one of them, Astrill and a couple others too.  I use them for viewing Hulu/Netflix in different regions.  Some servers on all 4 companies are blocked by HTC, I suspect it's due to somebody using a VPN to regain access to the forum after being banned, and causing havoc, and then that IP being banned.  Certain servers from all over the world, if I forget I have the VPN on and log into HTC, I get that same message, then I have to go in and remove that cookie manually which auto bans my account.  Skuzzy helped me figure all this out months ago, I had the exact same issues as you. 

I understand completely why HTC deals with VPNs as they do, again, many have used them for nefarious purposes here, and I try to ensure I have mine off before opening my web browser.

[Skuzzy]

Yes, it is listed as being blocked due to nefarious activities through that service.  Sometimes the game will lag behind the other servers, but they all get listed to be blocked from our network, eventually.

[aaronr]

OK great info so I didn't get auto banned is it safe to try some of the other servers that are fast for me to see if one is ok with HTC so I can just leave it running?
I use it also for some video services but also for other things which could be an issue if let it loose in the open.

So anyway is it safe to try other IP addresses available to me or is there a risk of a ban?

[Skuzzy]

You can try another IP address, but we do actively block those open VPN connections so do not be surprised if you use one and it gets blocked next night.