Question: How do I block IP addresses in GHFS Hosting? Print

Answer :

Blocking IP addresses can help protect your website from spam, brute-force attacks, malicious bots, or unwanted traffic. GHFS Hosting allows you to block IP addresses easily using Plesk or additional security tools.

This article explains all available methods.

1. Method 1: Block IPs Using Plesk “IP Address Access Restrictions”

Plesk provides a built-in feature to block IPs from accessing your website.

Steps:

1. Log in to your Plesk control panel

2. Go to Websites & Domains

3. Select your domain

4. Click IP Address Access Restrictions (or Hosting Settings → Access Control, depending on Plesk version)

5. Add the IP address or range you want to block

6. Choose Deny

7. Save changes

The blocked IP will no longer be able to access your site.

2. Method 2: Block IPs Using .htaccess (Apache Users)

If your site uses Apache, you can manually block IPs via .htaccess.

Add the following lines:

Replace the example IPs with the ones you want to block.

This method works for single IPs and IP ranges.

3. Method 3: Block IPs with nginx (Custom Rules)

If your domain uses nginx rules, block IPs using additional directives.

In Plesk:

1. Go to Websites & Domains

2. Click Apache & nginx Settings

3. Scroll to Additional nginx directives

4. Add:

5. Save the changes

4. Method 4: Block IPs Using WordPress Security Plugins (Optional)

If you are running WordPress, several security plugins allow IP blocking:

• Wordfence

• Sucuri Security

• iThemes Security

These tools provide:

• Automatic bot blocking

• Rate limiting

• Brute-force attack protection

• Country blocking (in premium versions)

Good for users who want more advanced control.

5. Method 5: Use Fail2Ban (Server-Level, for VPS Customers)

If you have a VPS hosting plan, Fail2Ban can block IPs automatically for:

• Login attempts

• XML-RPC attacks

• SSH brute-force

• Mail server abuse

GHFS Hosting support can help enable Fail2Ban filters if needed.

6. Best Practices for IP Blocking

• Block only necessary IPs to avoid blocking legitimate users

• Use CIDR ranges for large attack patterns

• Combine IP blocking with firewall rules

• Use rate limiting for repeated requests

• Enable security features in WordPress Toolkit

7. When to Contact GHFS Hosting Support

Contact support if:

• You are unsure which method applies to your hosting plan

• The blocked IP is still accessing your site

• You suspect high-level attacks

• You need help implementing firewall or Fail2Ban rules

Support can apply IP blocks at the server level if required.