To get your website back online, learn how to fix Error 1020 Access Denied.
On pages that use the Cloudflare CDN to optimize the website and provide better security, Error 1020: access prohibited occurs. If this is happening to you, you must understand why it is happening and what you can do to prevent it. Using the Cloudflare CDN on a WordPress site will ensure that content loads faster and more securely from all around the world.
However, some issues may arise when using it, such as error 1020: access refused, which renders the website unavailable to users who attempt to access it. This type of issue jeopardizes the website’s performance because it is unable to load it when one or more users try to access it. This informs Google that there is a problem in the page’s loading speed, which has a negative impact on its ranking.
However, before concluding that the problem is on the server, it is necessary to assess some settings on the computer, as the problem could be local. We created this post to assist you in identifying this problem, in which we will demonstrate
What is the meaning of Error 1020: Access Denied?
What causes Error 1020?
What can I do about Error 1020: Access Denied?
What is the meaning of Error 1020: Access Denied?
When you break a firewall rule on a Cloudflare-protected site, you’ll get Error 1020 Access Denied. When you try to connect to a protected endpoint directly, your connection request is blocked.
Connection issues on sites that use the Cloudflare proxy are the subject of all error messages beginning with 1xxx.
But, before we get into the details of what error 1020 implies, let’s take a quick look at how CDNs work. They are a resource that is utilized to improve the website’s performance.
In practice, multiple copies of the website’s files are scattered throughout the CDN’s numerous servers. As a result, the user will be connected to the server closest to them. Cloudflare not only improves performance, but it also provides some security elements that assist defend the website from cyber threats. The DDoS assault, which occurs when multiple simultaneous accesses to a page are made, either by genuine users or via so-called zombie computers, is one of them.
What causes Error 1020?
This error can arise in a variety of circumstances. One of them is when the CDN recognises that the IP address attempting to connect to the website has been listed as blocked in the internal settings. As a result, the CDN refuses to allow the connection because it detects a risk to the site.
It’s worth noting that Cloudflare employs cookies, which are little files saved on your computer that store information on how you interact with the website and improve the security of your WordPress site. As a result, there may be certain disputes over the use of these files, preventing access.
How can I fix the Access Denied Error 1020?
The goal of error 1020 is to keep undesirable users off the website. However, an IP address that does not pose a genuine threat can be blocked. As a result, before contacting the provider, be sure there isn’t a local issue interfering with the website’s operation. Take a look at the list below to see what might be causing this problem.
Check to see if your browser accepts cookies
Cookies are used by Cloudflare to control user access to the website, as previously stated. As a result, it’s critical to verify the browser’s settings to see if this feature is enabled. Access to the site may be prohibited if usage is not enabled.
This setting can be found, for example, in Chrome’s Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Cookies and Site Data. Please keep in mind that the option to store cookies must be activated.
Check for any browser add-ons that may be blocking cookies.
Several extensions may be put on browsers to prevent cookies from being used. This function is used by many individuals to browse in a more private manner.
When visiting a Cloudflare-enabled website, however, these tools may be the source of the issue. As a result, it’s critical to check if one is installed in your browser and temporarily disable it to see if the issue is resolved.
Delete the cache in your browser
When a webpage is loaded, the computer saves a number of files. When you return to the page, it’s possible that not all of the information has been updated. This will result in your computer having outdated files, particularly those that don’t update often, such as script files, cookies, and stylesheet files.
This circumstance encourages the presence of outdated cookies on the local computer, which is ideal for the occurrence of the access forbidden error. As a result, you’ll need to clear your browser cache and visit the page again.
This will completely reload all of the relevant files, causing them to be updated and allowing the website to work.
Try a different browser
Another viable option is to use a different browser or device to view the page. The goal is to delete the cache and refresh all of the website’s information. So make sure to clean your browser first, since this will increase the chances of this test working.
Modify the site administrator’s preferences
If no attempts to configure the local computer yield the desired outcome, the issue might be with the server. As a result, you’ll need to review the activity logs and access the Cloudflare settings (or ask the administrator to do so).
This allows you to see whether any IP addresses are blacklisted. You may also see if any firewall rules need to be changed or if the required IP address needs to be added to enable access to the user who is unable to access the website.
Get in touch with technical help
Whether none of these steps resolves the issue, you may still contact Cloudflare technical support to see if another cause is to blame for the website’s downtime.
Keep in mind that there are several sorts of plans, including free ones, and that customer care is organised according to the type of service requested.
Wrap Up Error 1020: access forbidden is a method of preventing unauthorised people from accessing the website.
Other security measures, in addition to employing a CDN, should be taken to create a secure environment. Backups, strong access passwords, SSL certificates, and secure hosting are all examples of this.
Aayush Kumar Gupta is the founder and creator of ExploringBits, a website dedicated to providing useful content for people passionate about Engineering and Technology. Aayush has completed his Bachelor of Technology (Computer Science & Engineering) from 2018-2022. From July 2022, Aayush has been working as a full-time Devops Engineer.
