“Our systems have detected unusual traffic from your computer network”

Understanding and Resolving the ‘Unusual Traffic’ Warning on Safari

If you’ve recently encountered a message while browsing Safari that reads, “Our systems have detected unusual traffic from your computer network,” you’re not alone. This common notification can be puzzling and sometimes alarming, especially if you’re unsure of the cause. In this article, we’ll explore what this message means, why it appears, and how you can address it effectively.

What Does the ‘Unusual Traffic’ Warning Mean?

Web services and platforms employ various security measures to protect their servers from malicious activities, such as automated bot attacks or spam. When these systems detect patterns consistent with automated or suspicious behavior originating from your network, they might trigger a security alert. The message typically requests you to verify that you’re a genuine user, often by completing a CAPTCHA or similar verification process.

This specific warning indicates that the website’s security algorithms have identified traffic patterns from your network that deviate from typical user behavior. This could be due to several reasons, ranging from benign to potentially problematic.

Common Causes of the Warning

1. Automated Tools or Scripts: Running browser extensions or scripts that generate rapid or repetitive requests can trigger security systems.

2. Shared Networks or Public Wi-Fi: If you’re on a shared network, multiple users’ activities could compound to appear suspicious.

3. VPNs or Proxy Services: Using certain VPNs or proxy servers can sometimes flag these systems, especially if that IP range has been associated with malicious activity in the past.

4. Malware or Infections: In rare cases, malware on your device may perform unauthorized network activity, prompting security alerts.

5. High-Volume Traffic: Rapid browsing, downloads, or even streaming activities in a short period can sometimes cause this warning.

Why Are You Seeing This?

The warning is a security measure enacted by the website or service you are attempting to access. It’s designed to prevent potential attacks or abuse and ensure a safe browsing environment for all users. Sometimes, legitimate users inadvertently trigger these alerts due to their browsing habits or network configurations.

How to Resolve the Issue

If you encounter this message, here are some steps you can take:

1. Complete the Verification: Follow the prompts, such as solving a CAPTCHA, to confirm you’re a legitimate user. Often, this clears the warning temporarily.

2. Restart Your Network Connection: Restart your router or switch to a different network to acquire a new IP address, which might