What causes the ‘Error code 15 – This request was blocked by the security rules’ error?
We looked into this particular issue by looking at various user reports and the repair strategies that they have successfully used to get the issue resolved. From what we were able to gather, there are several fairly common scenarios that are known to trigger this particular issue: If you’re currently looking for a way to get around the “Error Code 15: This request was blocked by the security rules” error, this article will provide you with a collection of verified troubleshooting steps. Down below, you’ll discover several repair strategies that other users in a similar situation have successfully used to get to the bottom of the issue. If you want to be as efficient as possible, follow the methods below in the order that they are presented. You will eventually encounter a fix that is effective in your particular scenario. Let’s begin!
Method 1: Set the Correct time and date
There aren’t a lot of conditions that you (as a visitor) need to meet in order to be allowed access to most websites. Of course, this rules change from server to server, but one of the most common causes why users are prevented to access certain websites by the “Error Code 15: This request was blocked by the security rules” is because their date and time settings are incorrect. This is most often reported to occur with Microsoft Edge, but we have managed to find several reports with visitors using a different browser that managed to resolve the issue after setting the correct time and date. This is effective in those situations where the web server is programmed to condition the entrance by date & time. Most of the time, this is done in order to bots from accessing that particular website Here’s a quick guide on how to ensure that you’re using the correct time and date: If you’re still encountering the “Error Code 15: This request was blocked by the security rules” error, move down to the next method below.
Method 2: Using a VPN solution
In most cases, this particular error is encountered because the website administrator is using some kind of security application that actively blocks your IP range. This is most commonly done with Incapsula or a similar service. Several users that have been struggling with the same scenario have managed to circumvent the issue by using a VPN solution to conceal their real IP. This can be done with a number of different services (premium or free), but for the sake of keeping this guide accessible for everyone, we’re going to show you how to do this with a free VPN service. However, if you have the means, feel free to use any premium VPN service that you want. Here’s a quick guide on avoiding the “Error Code 15: This request was blocked by the security rules” error aby using a VPN solution (Hide.me):
Method 3: Deactivate security solution
As some users have confirmed, this particular issue can also occur if you’re using an overprotective AV or firewall solution. Most of these 3-rd party security suites are now featuring a self-maintained list of blacklisted websites. But as you can imagine, some are more accurate than others. If the site you are trying to access was blacklisted by your external security solution, you might find yourself suddenly losing the ability to access the website. In this particular case, disabling your 3rd party security solution should help you determine whether your AV/firewall is causing the problem. However, with most firewalls, the same rules will remain firmly in place even if you end up disabling the client. In this case, uninstalling the client completely will help you figure out if the problem is caused internally or externally. You can follow this guide (here) to ensure that you remove your security solution completely.
