Website Down: What To Do When It Happens And How To Avoid

When you launch a website, the last thing you expect is a website down that is or inaccessible. You wouldn’t want it to be offline or unreachable. The internet is supposed to be available 24/7, right? However, issues can arise, causing your website to go down from time to time. This is especially problematic for critical services like a bank’s website or a social network.

The situation becomes even more serious when it’s your own website. If you use your website to promote services or conduct online sales, downtime can significantly impact your business negatively. This article discusses the main consequences of a website going down, provides tips on identifying the source of the problem, and suggests ways to prevent such issues.

If you own a website and want to ensure it remains accessible at all times, read this article to learn how to avoid downtime!

How to know if your website is down

As strange as it may sound, your website is not necessarily down just because you are unable to access it. It might be unavailable to you due to other factors, such issues with your internet connection. Here are several methods to determine whether your website is indeed down in order to answer your queries:

1# Verify Your Internet Connection

If you’re currently reading this message, it’s unlikely that your entire internet service is down. However, there are instances when only specific parts of the internet may be inaccessible. This can happen for a couple of reasons:

• ISP Issues: It’s possible that your Internet service provider (ISP) is having issues. There have been cases where the server of the internet provider had issues, causing certain web traffic to be routed incorrectly.
• DNS Server Outage: A significant DNS (Domain Name System) server outage can also lead to internet disruptions. For example, in 2016, a major DNS host named DYN suffered a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack, causing widespread internet outages. Think of it like an old-fashioned telephone center losing power, leading to a temporary inability to route phone calls.

To check if your internet is working, try accessing other popular websites. If you can reach them, it’s advisable to contact your ISP to inquire about any ongoing outages. While it’s not the most common reason for website unavailability, it’s worth considering these possibilities when troubleshooting issues.

2# Domain Expiration

Some websites may become inaccessible because their domain registration has expired. Domain renewals typically happen in yearly cycles, and the extended duration between renewals can lead to oversights. Registration companies usually send reminder emails to the owner prompting them to renew.

If the renewal notification emails go unnoticed or unused, the domain registration may lapse. This results in the domain being frozen, rendering the website unreachable. For .com domains, there is a 30-day freeze period after expiration during which the owner can still renew. If the renewal doesn’t occur within this timeframe, the domain becomes available to the public, and someone else can register it. It’s crucial for website owners to stay attentive to renewal notifications to avoid unintentional disruptions.

3# Check Browser Error Messages

When a web page fails to load, the browser typically shows an error message containing an HTTP status code. This code specifies the problem, aiding in the identification and resolution of website errors. Here are some common ones:

• 403 Forbidden: The server understood the request but denied access because the client lacks permission to view the content.
• 404 Not Found: The server can’t locate the requested resource, often due to broken links or deleted pages.
• 500 Internal Server Error: The server encountered an unexpected problem, preventing it from fulfilling the request.
• 502 Bad Gateway: The gateway or proxy server received an invalid response while trying to process the request. 
• 503 Service Unavailable: The server can’t fulfill the request, typically due to scheduled maintenance or temporary overload.
• 504 Gateway Timeout: The browser sent the request, but no response was received from the server within the expected time frame.

Understanding these error messages can guide you in diagnosing and resolving issues affecting the accessibility of a website.

4# DDOS Attack Explained

A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack occurs when a website is overwhelmed by a barrage of fake traffic, causing server overload and a subsequent crash. This happens as the increased traffic either uses up all available bandwidth or overloads the servers.

Two main types of DDoS attacks are:

1. Volumetric Attacks: These aim to shut down the entire website by flooding it with traffic.
2. Application-Layer Attacks: These target specific parts of a website or its hosted applications.

Another type, known as Distributed Reflective Denial-of-Service Attacks, directs traffic to specific areas of a website or hosted applications. Protocol Attacks focus on exploiting vulnerabilities in network infrastructure components like firewalls and load balancers.

The objective of both types of attacks is to overwhelm a website’s bandwidth and servers, leading to a complete shutdown or disabling specific functions.

Attackers often use botnets, a network of compromised computers, to launch these attacks. Some may also use a single computer for a DoS (Denial of Service) attack.

Strategies to Mitigate DDoS Attacks

1. Expand Your Bandwidth: Increase bandwidth to make your hosting infrastructure more DDoS-resistant. However, combining this with additional mitigation techniques is crucial for comprehensive protection.
2. Use CDN Solutions: Content Delivery Network (CDN) providers offer cybersecurity tools and features, automatically providing DDoS protection. Utilizing CDN effectively distributes website traffic and makes it difficult for hackers to pinpoint your original server.
3. Prepare for DDoS Attacks in Advance: Develop a cybersecurity plan outlining responsibilities during an attack, allocating resources to maintain critical applications, and establishing communication protocols with your Internet Service Provider.
4. No Business Is Too Small: Small businesses are frequent targets of DDoS attacks. Strengthening website security is crucial, as these attacks can result in significant damages.
5. Transition to Hybrid or Cloud-Based Solutions: Shifting to hybrid or cloud-based services offers unlimited bandwidth, strengthening defenses against DDoS attacks, especially for websites with limited resources.

How to keep your website from going down

As you’ve seen, various factors can contribute to a site becoming unavailable, and unfortunately, not all of these variables are within our control. However, there are proactive measures you can take to prevent known issues that may lead to your site’s unavailability. Here are some preventive actions:

• Optimize Your Website: A heavy and time-consuming website can overload the hosting server, especially during increased visitation. Use optimization practices such as caching techniques and removing unnecessary scripts. Tools like Page Speed Insights, Website Speed Test (like Pingdom) can help assess your site’s performance.
• Monitor Resource Usage: Establish a routine to monitor your site’s performance and resource usage. Many hosting control panels provide indicators on how features are being utilized. Regular monitoring allows you to anticipate and address potential issues with resource overuse.
• Invest in Site Security: Prioritize the security of your site, especially if you use a Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress. Use strong passwords and implement recommended security measures to safeguard your site from potential threats.
• Choose Quality Hosting: Opt for a stable and reputable hosting provider. Selecting the right type of hosting for your specific needs is crucial for long-term stability. Quality hosting ensures that you can maintain your site without hassles and concerns about potential disruptions.

By implementing these preventative measures, you enhance the resilience of your website, reducing the risk of unavailability and ensuring a smoother online experience for your visitors.

You can attempt the following tests to resolve an unavailable website

If you’re facing website downtime, here are additional tests you can perform to identify and resolve the issue:

• Check Another Website: Test your internet connection by visiting a different website. If it loads normally, your internet connection is likely fine. If not, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to address the connection issue.
• Visit Hosting Company’s Website: Try accessing your hosting website. If it’s also down, it could indicate a server problem. If you can reach it, the issue might be with your specific website or domain.
• Use a Different Device: Try accessing your website from a different computer, phone, or tablet. This helps ensure the problem isn’t specific to one device or your Internet Service Provider. If you can visit the website on another device, contact your ISP. If not, the issue may be related to your domain or website.
• Ping Your Domain: Open the Command Prompt on your computer and type ‘ping’ followed by a space and your domain name. This command sends a series of messages to your server. If you receive replies, including bytes used and IP address information, your website is functioning. If you encounter a ‘timed out’ error message, there may be an issue with your website. Here is a website – Online Ping Tool if the command prompt does not work.

Performing these tests can help you narrow down the source of the problem, whether it’s related to your internet connection, hosting server, specific devices, or your website itself. Once you identify the root cause, you can take appropriate steps to fix the issue and restore your website’s functionality.

Conclusion

Encountering a situation where your website is down can be frustrating, but understanding the potential causes and implementing effective solutions is crucial for maintaining online presence. In this guide, we’ve explored various reasons behind website unavailability, ranging from technical issues to external factors like DDoS attacks and expired domains. The key takeaway is that proactive measures, such as optimizing your website, monitoring resource usage, and investing in security, can significantly reduce the risk of downtime.

Additionally, we provided a series of tests and actions to take when your website is down, helping you diagnose the problem and take corrective measures. Whether it’s checking your internet connection, visiting your hosting company’s website, or using tools like ping tests, these steps empower you to troubleshoot and resolve issues promptly.

Remember, no website is immune to potential disruptions, but with a proactive approach and informed troubleshooting, you can minimize downtime and ensure a smoother online experience for your visitors.

FAQs on Website Down 

Why is my website down?

Website downtime can be caused by various factors, including technical issues with hosting servers, expired domains, DDoS attacks, or even problems with your internet connection.

What should I do if my website is down?

Perform a series of tests, such as checking your internet connection, visiting your hosting company’s website, and using ping tests. Determine the problem’s origin and take the necessary remedial action.

How can I prevent website downtime?

Optimize your website for performance, monitor resource usage regularly, invest in site security, choose a reliable hosting provider, and be proactive in addressing potential issues before they lead to downtime.

Is website downtime common?

Website downtime can occur for various reasons, and while it’s not uncommon, proactive measures can significantly reduce the frequency and duration of such incidents.