Significant Changes to Accessing and Using GeoLite2 Databases

[fktkrt]

Describe the bug

FYI
Just came across this: https://blog.maxmind.com/2019/12/18/significant-changes-to-accessing-and-using-geolite2-databases/

Starting December 30, 2019, we will be requiring users of our GeoLite2 databases to register for a MaxMind account and obtain a license key in order to download GeoLite2 databases. We will continue to offer the GeoLite2 databases without charge, and with the ability to redistribute with proper attribution and in compliance with privacy regulations. In addition, we are introducing a new end-user license agreement to govern your use of the GeoLite2 databases. Previously, GeoLite2 databases were accessible for download to the public on our developer website and were licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Starting December 30, 2019, downloads will no longer be served from our public GeoLite2 page, from geolite.maxmind.com/download/geoip/database/*, or from any other public URL. See the section below for steps on how to migrate to the new download mechanism.

GeoLite2 Databases Affected

• GeoLite2 Country
• GeoLite2 City
• GeoLite2 ASN

Additional context
https://blog.maxmind.com/2019/12/18/significant-changes-to-accessing-and-using-geolite2-databases/

[revere521]

I tried to signup for a "free account" and it looks like it wants a corporate e-mail domain, at least it failed with my older hotmail address. I will try again later - apparently trying 3 times gets you banned temporarily from trying by cloudfare limiters.

[revere521]

This does happen today when manually running the command:

~$ sudo geoipupdate -d /usr/share/GeoIP/
error retrieving updates: unexpected HTTP status code: 401 Unauthorized: An account ID and license key are required to use this service

[revere521]

i emailed support@maxmind.com to see if they can answer how we should go about this

https://www.maxmind.com/en/company/contact-us

Here is a somewhat relevant thread from netgate that seems to indicate there was a 7 day window to signup and mixed success in creating the accounts:

https://forum.netgate.com/topic/149128/maxmind-will-require-an-account-and-license-key-to-use-geolite2-dbs/17

This will affect both Snort and Suricata, as well as pfBlockerNG and countless other projects

[a3ilson]

I was able to sign up for an account, created a license key, updated the GeoIP.conf and everything worked.

(1) [MaxMind] Signed up for an account here: https://www.maxmind.com/en/geolite2/signup

(2) [MaxMind] Once created, logged in and navigated to "Services --> My License Key"

(3) [MaxMind] Generated new license key

(4) [MaxMind] Edited GeoIP.conf and updated with AccountID, LicenseKey

Done

*I was able to create an account with my own domain email account and Gmail.

[a3ilson]

Updated Readme with instructions for Max Mind credentials