Unable to connect to UC: "Too many requests" error

[Mark Thomas]

In recent days, many of us have seen a "Too many requests" error when connecting to UC. Unfortunately, this is caused by the large number of hacking/scamming bots which are trying to gain access to the site, over 7,500 today alone, for example. So far our defences have prevented malicious attacks, but we aren't able to do anything at present to prevent the attempts themselves overloading the server's capacity to satisfy access requests, which leads to our members' legitimate access requests being denied. I'm investigating if there's any way this tsunami of attacks can be mitigated and, rest assured, if there is then we'll implement it. For now, though, we just have to put up with "Too many requests" errors from time to time.

[terry martyn]

Thanks,Mark.  That started for me on Saturday and happened again about 45 minutes ago.

Mortified to find that they appear to be specifically targeting the Gernsheim thread. Hopefully ,there isn't a "Typhoid Mary" amongst us.

[Alan Howe]

Thanks, Mark, for the explanation. I trust that the remedial efforts won't have to go on too long.

[Mark Thomas]

Mortified to find that they appear to be specifically targeting the Gernsheim thread

They're not, just the site as a whole. It's you that's targetting the Gernsheim thread, Terry! 

[terry martyn]

As long as I am not a "Typhoid Mary", Mark!