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Many Berlin residents and visitors have recently reported difficulties accessing various local websites, encountering a screen labeled ‘Anubis’ instead of the requested content. This security measure, which acts similarly to a CAPTCHA, is designed to protect websites from malicious bot traffic and automated attacks.
What is the Anubis Security Challenge?
The Anubis system uses a concept called Proof of Work. Instead of asking you to identify images or text, your browser is assigned a small computational task. Once your device completes this calculation-which usually takes only a few seconds-you are granted access to the website. This confirms that you are a human user rather than an automated bot.
Why am I seeing this?
If you are frequently seeing this screen, it is likely due to high traffic on the server or security protocols being tightened to protect city infrastructure. To successfully pass the challenge and view the website, please follow these troubleshooting steps:
How to Resolve Access Issues
- Enable JavaScript: The most common reason for failure is having JavaScript disabled in your browser settings. Anubis requires modern JavaScript features to function.
- Disable Security Plugins: Plugins like JShelter or other aggressive ad-blockers/script-blockers often interfere with Anubis. Try temporarily disabling these extensions for the specific domain you are trying to access.
- Check Your Connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection. If the server is overloaded, waiting a few moments and refreshing the page (F5) often solves the issue.
- Use a Supported Browser: Ensure your browser is up to date. Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge (latest versions) provide the best compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this a virus?
A: No, Anubis is a legitimate security tool used to protect websites. It is not harmful to your device.
Q: Will this slow down my computer?
A: The calculation task is extremely light and designed to be completed in seconds without impacting your system performance.
Q: Can I bypass this?
A: Currently, no. Enabling JavaScript is required to pass the security check. A no-JS alternative is reportedly in development by the creators.
For further assistance regarding specific municipal services in Berlin, please contact the official city support desk if the website remains inaccessible after following these steps.
