Using a Python Script to Block IP Addresses

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 147 views

Introduction

As a developer, you may have encountered issues with JetBrains not accepting a valid key server. This can be frustrating, especially when you've followed the correct method to obtain a valid key. In this article, we'll explore a workaround to resolve this issue by blocking the domain account.jetbrains.com and its associated IP addresses.

The Problem

Recently, I've been following the method outlined in the JetBrains README to obtain a valid key server. However, when I do find a valid key server, JetBrains doesn't accept the keys. This is where the workaround comes in.

The Workaround

To resolve the issue, you can simply block the domain account.jetbrains.com, as well as all of the IP addresses associated with the domain. This can be done by using a proxy, including the domain in your hosts file, or by using iptables.

Using a Python Script to Block IP Addresses

A little while ago, I downloaded a Python script from someone to automate the process of blocking IP addresses using iptables for Linux. However, I couldn't seem to find the original person who wrote it (sorry!). Here's the script:

#!/bin/python3

import socket
import subprocess

def block_ip(ip):
    """
    Block incoming and outgoing traffic for the specified IP address.
    Uses iptables on Linux. Make sure to adjust or run with appropriate permissions.
    """
    # Block incoming traffic
    try:
        subprocess.check_call(['iptables', '-A', 'INPUT', '-s', ip, '-j', 'DROP'])
        print(f"Blocked incoming traffic for IP {ip}")
    except subprocess.CalledProcessError as e:
        print(f"Failed to block incoming traffic for IP {ip}: {e}")

    # Block outgoing traffic
    try:
        subprocess.check_call(['iptables', '-A', 'OUTPUT', '-d', ip, '-j', 'DROP'])
        print(f"Blocked outgoing traffic for IP {ip}")
    except subprocess.CalledProcessError as e:
        print(f"Failed to block outgoing traffic for IP {ip}: {e}")

def main():
    domain = "account.jetbrains.com"
    try:
        ips = socket.gethostbyname_ex(domain)[2]
        for ip in ips:
            print(f"Blocking IP: {ip}")
            block_ip(ip)
    except socket.gaierror as e:
        print(f"Failed to lookup IP addresses for {domain}: {e}")
if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

Running the Script

To use the script, simply run it as sudo. This will block all of the necessary IP addresses. However, if you're using the script method, you'll need to rerun this every time your PC starts up.

Alternative Methods

If you're not comfortable using a Python script or don't have the necessary permissions, you can use alternative methods to block the domain and IP addresses. These include:

Using a proxy: You can set up a proxy to block the domain and IP addresses.
Including the domain in your hosts file: You can add the domain to your hosts file to block it.
Using iptables: You can use iptables to block the IP addresses directly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you're experiencing issues with JetBrains not accepting a valid key server, you can try the workaround of blocking the domain account.jetbrains.com and its associated IP addresses. You can use a Python script to automate the process, or use alternative methods such as setting up a proxy or including the domain in your hosts file.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you're still experiencing issues after trying the workaround, here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the problem:

Check your internet connection: Make sure your internet connection is stable and working properly.
Check your firewall settings: Ensure that your firewall settings are not blocking the domain and IP addresses.
Check your antivirus software: Some antivirus software may be blocking the domain and IP addresses. Try disabling it temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.
Check your JetBrains settings: Ensure that your JetBrains settings are correct and not causing the issue.

Q&A: Troubleshooting and Workarounds

Q: What are the common causes of JetBrains not accepting a valid key server?

A: There are several common causes of JetBrains not accepting a valid key server, including:

Incorrect key server URL
Invalid or expired key
Firewall or antivirus software blocking the key server
Incorrect JetBrains settings

Q: How do I troubleshoot the issue with JetBrains not accepting a valid key server?

A: To troubleshoot the issue, follow these steps:

Check your internet connection to ensure it's stable and working properly.
Check your firewall settings to ensure they're not blocking the key server.
Check your antivirus software to ensure it's not blocking the key server.
Check your JetBrains settings to ensure they're correct and not causing the issue.

Q: What is the workaround for blocking the domain `account.jetbrains.com` and its associated IP addresses?

A: The workaround involves blocking the domain account.jetbrains.com and its associated IP addresses. This can be done by using a proxy, including the domain in your hosts file, or by using iptables.

Q: How do I use a Python script to block IP addresses using iptables for Linux?

A: You can use the following Python script to block IP addresses using iptables for Linux:

#!/bin/python3

import socket
import subprocess

def block_ip(ip):
    """
    Block incoming and outgoing traffic for the specified IP address.
    Uses iptables on Linux. Make sure to adjust or run with appropriate permissions.
    """
    # Block incoming traffic
    try:
        subprocess.check_call(['iptables', '-A', 'INPUT', '-s', ip, '-j', 'DROP'])
        print(f"Blocked incoming traffic for IP {ip}")
    except subprocess.CalledProcessError as e:
        print(f"Failed to block incoming traffic for IP {ip}: {e}")

    # Block outgoing traffic
    try:
        subprocess.check_call(['iptables', '-A', 'OUTPUT', '-d', ip, '-j', 'DROP'])
        print(f"Blocked outgoing traffic for IP {ip}")
    except subprocess.CalledProcessError as e:
        print(f"Failed to block outgoing traffic for IP {ip}: {e}")

def main():
    domain = "account.jetbrains.com"
    try:
        ips = socket.gethostbyname_ex(domain)[2]
        for ip in ips:
            print(f"Blocking IP: {ip}")
            block_ip(ip)
    except socket.gaierror as e:
        print(f"Failed to lookup IP addresses for {domain}: {e}")
if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

Q: How do I run the Python script to block IP addresses?

A: To run the script, simply execute it as sudo. This will block all of the necessary IP addresses.

Q: Do I need to rerun the script every time my PC starts up?

A: Yes, if you're using the script method, you'll need to rerun the script every time your PC starts up.

Q: Are there alternative methods to block the domain and IP addresses?

A: Yes, there are alternative methods to block the domain and IP addresses, including:

Using a proxy
Including the domain in your hosts file
Using iptables directly

Q: What are some troubleshooting tips to help resolve the issue with JetBrains not accepting a valid key server?

A: Here are some troubleshooting tips to help resolve the issue:

Check your internet connection
Check your firewall settings
Check your antivirus software
Check your JetBrains settings

By following these troubleshooting tips and trying the workaround, you should be able to resolve the issue with JetBrains not accepting a valid key server.