KIEV KIEV KIEV - may this bot drop dead

[beemaster]

What can I say.... This dirtbag is slamming the forum with multiple usernames and websites none of which I currently can flag for auto deletion - the problem is the RANDOMNESS of the info that the BOT generates. If I had ANYTHING (other than his ICQ and his KIEV info) I could block him - but the basic admin panel in this PHPBB Software has it 's limits and the BOT PEOPLE know the limits and work their way around them.

I'm deleting 10 to 20 of these Bots MANUALLY every day) which takes about a minute each (tops) but there is no CLICK and delete the bunch options.

FROM YOU..... JUST KEEP AWAY FROM THE random letter/number named members web addresses - for example ryti5tjfk - if you see any names like that, just IGNORE THEM.

LUCKILY - these BOTS don't post - they are satisdied with having the www address in the membership listing only - But even so, stay away from them, it is NOT worth your time or effort and I promise to keep attacking at them UNTIL we finally get the random text registration hack reinstalled - then, life gets easy here again.

Best wishes all, I just like to keep everyone involved as much as possible and when "3 or 4" new Kiev bots appear WHILE I'm deleting the 15 or 20 since the last time I was on the forum, I get frustrated. But I know we'll get around this and LUCKILY I know that THINGS COULD BE WORSE - this is just like sand in your butt crack - It's not hurting anything, it's just an annoyance. :)

[Jay]

Try to think of it this way John:
You've grown the forum so well, that it's now very attractive to those who want a customer base! This means you've done a good thing!! :D  I know it dosen't make it any less frusterating though! :evil:

[Understudy]

I would recommend adding one of those key in codes that new users must key in. Where the letters and numbers are slightly blurry or part of a pattern that way bots can't join.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

[beemaster]

Understudy:

What you are talking about is exactly the same character recognition registration program we had installed UNTIL I updated during a previous version update - then it went away and it needs to get reinstalled - I'm not technically saavy, but a member of the forum installed the previous recognition program and we'll get it reinstalled whenever that can fit in the installers schedule.

It worked flawlessly and will again :) It's just tuff it's down now, and I blame me for upgrading the PHPBB Software (to keep all security issues current) I just had no idea it would erase the character recognition registration feature which kept out the bots.

There are tons of great "hacks" at www.phpbbhacks.com but as EACH hack is added, it compromises or requires previous or other hacks to be modified too - it gets complicated unless you are into the programming script part of the software.

My only other issues are personal privacy - just like anyone else, I'm a bit leary of others roaming around my website, it becomes a trust issue sharing usernames and passwords - just as giving out PIN numbers, once the door is open anything can happen. I have this forum and my website backed up and do it frequently, I would hate to see accidental or malicious problems occur, so I tend to be patient and hope for the people I trust to make changes rather than cross my fingers and hope for the best - lol.

I sure hope NONE of that sounded offensive to anyone - I have great faith in many many people here and as our moderators know well, we share a bond of honest speaking: when I'm out of whack, I have a few people who have no problem telling me I need a reality check. Having a checks and balance system really helps the forum work to its potential.

I've babbled on enough - peace to all.

[Understudy]

I am also going to recommend if you can install the mod_security item for apache webservers and keep the list updated . You can also use the .htaccess file to block undesirables.

Sincerely,
Brendhan