Hello readers! Have you ever come across the warning ‘our systems have detected unusual traffic from your computer network’ on your screen while searching for something on Google? Getting this type of message may prompt you to think whether your account has been hacked, and the attacker has blocked or IPO or not, right?
But such messages do not necessarily mean that your computer has a virus, or your computer got hacked or something. It mostly means that Google has found search requests from your end that resemble automated requests, and they want to verify that a real person is sending those requests.
There could be various reasons why you could get such a message, such as automated software, suspicious browser activities, a VPN, repeated searches, as well as a shared network connection. It is essential for you to understand such things so that you can solve them fast and effectively.
In this blog today, I will explain why Google sends its users these types of messages and warnings, and how you can easily resolve them.
What Is the Meaning of This Unique Traffic Warning?
Google employs automatic mechanisms to analyze any abnormal behavior in its products. If Google’s mechanisms notice that some requests for searching seem to be executed automatically by bots but not manually by humans, Google can show the user an authentication page.
Such a warning typically states ‘Our systems have detected unusual traffic from your computer network.’ As a result, Google can ask you to pass through the verification process, such as filling out the CAPTCHA or other similar actions.
The key thing is that Google analyzes the traffic related to the network or IP address from which the requests have been made. Google does not track each person or device from which some requests were sent.
Consider an illustration. For instance, when you use your laptop via the office Wi-Fi network, Google’s system detects some requests coming from someone else who has used the same network. You may see this warning even if you are not responsible for those actions.
Such a situation is significant, as the source of abnormal traffic might not be your computer, but your network or browser extension.
What Could Prompt Google to Detect Unusual Traffic from Your Network?
There are several reasons why this warning appears. Determining the reason will help you find the best solution.
Performing Too Many Searches in a Short Period
Performing too many searches at once is perceived by Google as automation.
For instance, making hundreds of searches of different product names, opening new tabs, and refreshing pages can mimic the actions performed by a script.
Google does not provide the exact number of searches that causes this issue. If you have been doing many searches recently, then try to wait a little bit and use Google later.
Using a Proxy Server or VPN
The virtual private network allows rerouting the traffic to another server. There could be many users who use the same public IP address. As a result, the actions of one person can affect other people because the activities look like automation.
Free VPNs and proxy servers are more vulnerable to this issue.
If you see the warning message when you use the VPN, then you should disable the connection and try using Google again. But if it is required for you at work, then consult with your IT administrator.
Using a Shared IP Address
Internet service providers could give you a public IP address along with other people or assign a dynamic IP address that changes when the router connects.
You could have been given an address used previously by some strange user.
When multiple computers in the same network show the warning message, you need to check the network itself, not your device configurations.
It would be better to opt for a Zero Trust Security approach to ensure complete protection and safety.
Your Browser Extension is Sending Automated Requests
There are many browser extensions that can be used to gather information, automatically browse websites, scrape search engine results, or refresh pages multiple times.
It is possible to open Google in a new incognito tab and see whether the message appears when all extensions are turned off.
Unwanted Software, or Malware, is Generating Traffic
Sometimes malicious or unwanted programs can generate automated requests for internet resources without your knowledge. This is why you should know about different types of malware.
Nevertheless, it is not enough proof that your computer is infected with malware. Try to find suspicious applications, redirections of the browser, and other strange processes in the background. If you do, you should scan your PC using trusted software.
Developer Tools, or Automated Scripts are Sending Requests
There might be a possibility that developers, SEO specialists, or researchers will use automated tools for collecting the results of search queries or testing websites. Such tools send requests faster than regular browsing and can be detected by Google.
Stop the tool and check its settings. In case of large-scale search data collection, use an authorized API or relevant data provider.
Businesses can also opt for threat intelligence to enhance their security.
Your Internet Connection is Facing a Temporary Problem
Sometimes the error occurs with no apparent reason. This can be caused by a problem with your network connection, bad IP reputation, or activity of another user on a shared network.
Such errors often disappear on their own without additional actions. However, do not restart your router and do not reinstall your browser right away.
How to Solve the Uncommon Traffic Issues
Proceed with Google’s CAPTCHA
It might be possible that Google will ask for CAPTCHA; therefore, you should complete the process and search once again.
Make sure to visit only the official Google website. The other website asking for your information with the same warning is trying to steal it from you.
Pause Searching and Refreshing
If you did lots of searches earlier, take a break. Close all unnecessary tabs and stop any scripts you might have started.
After that, just go to Google and do one regular search.
Unplug Your Own Personal VPN or Proxy for Now
If you use a personal VPN or proxy service, unplug temporarily to see if Google will work.
If it does, then the shared IP address of the server you connect to could be a problem. You should try another server or get in touch with your service provider. If you are required to use the proxy server of your company, then you will have to consult your IT department.
Reset Your Router, If Required
Resetting your router may help you overcome certain issues, and it could even change your dynamic IP address. Still, you might receive the same address from your provider after resetting.
If several devices have the warning message, you need to look into your network. If only one browser has a problem, you should consider browser extensions first.
Test Your Browser Add-ons
You need to use an Incognito Window or a separate browser profile to check whether you can access Google without any add-ons.
If it succeeds, you need to disable each of your browser add-ons and remove all the unused ones that perform searches automatically.
You can also decide to learn about browser-based security tools to have a better understanding of browser protections.
Delete Browser Caches and Cookies
Cached files or cookies may be causing your browser problems; however, this action will not help if the message is IP-related.
Navigate to the privacy settings of your browser and delete cached files and, if needed, Google cookies. Remember that deleting cookies will log you off various sites.
Contact Your ISP
In case the message appears on more than one device connected to the same network, you should contact your ISP.
Inform them about the time when the message appeared and on which devices, and whether you use a proxy or a VPN. The ISP will check your public IP address. If you're using office, university, or public Wi-Fi, get in touch with the administrator.
How to Avoid Unusual Traffic Error Alert?
One cannot avoid getting this alert, but one may do some things to minimize the risk of its occurrence.
Browser In Normal Mode
Never do multiple searches or refresh pages repeatedly. In case of major keyword research, use an SEO tool or an approved one.
Use Updated Software and Browser
Keep your software up-to-date and remove all unnecessary browser add-ons. Avoid having any unknown application start.
Use the Right VPN
Choose a reliable VPN provider and try to avoid constantly moving from one busy server to another.
Make Your Home Network Secure
Set up a secure Wi-Fi connection password, keep your router updated, and look into any suspicious connected devices.
Despite their importance, these measures will not help you avoid errors that appear due to shared IP addresses or actions of other users.
Conclusion
"Your computer network has been detected to have unusual traffic" is a message that usually indicates that Google has detected some behavior that appears to be an automated search pattern. It does not always indicate that your computer has a virus or that your network has been compromised by a hacker.
It might be because of a number of things, including a virtual private network, sharing a public IP address, frequent searches, use of browser extensions, a script, or simply a temporary issue in your network.
I would recommend that you start with the simplest possible steps. You should complete Google’s verification process, stop the frequent searches, test the network without using a personal virtual private network, and check the browser extensions.
If there is more than one device receiving the same message, then there may be something wrong with the network itself. Your aim should be to determine the cause of the unusual traffic without making any unnecessary changes to your computer.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. Does using the wrong VPN get you the unusual traffic warning?
Yes.
Q2. Does unusual traffic imply that my computer is infected with malware?
No; however, the unusual traffic warning cannot prove anything but the identification of some unusual activities on your computer.
Q3. What can I do to avoid detection of unusual traffic by Google?
You should reduce automatic requests, check your browser extensions, check your virtual private network/network, and go through Google’s verification process.