Mboard122 still has problems with spammers

ChickNew · Post by **ChickNew** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 4:25 am

Script URL:
Version of script:
Hosting company:
URL of phpinfo.php:
URL of session_test.php:
What terms did you try when searching for a solution:

Write your message below:

I am using the latest version of mboard on my website. The "antispam" function, where the poster has to copy a number manually into a box, is working flawlessly. Yet, I am getting from 3-6 spams per day anyway. Is there any suggestion, or changes I can make to the board, or any of the scripts to exclude these posts? I have added some "badwords" to that php file, but while the words are blocked, the spam posts are still present and obtrusive.

Any thougths or suggestions would be appreciated.

Post by **Klemen** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 8:57 am

I will try to add something to MBoard in the next version like the "JunkMark" filter that is in GBook.

ChickNew · Post by **ChickNew** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 2:20 am

Thank you for your help. Even my legitimate posters are asking spammers to leave us alone. I look forward to whatever you come up with in the next version.

ChickNew · Post by **ChickNew** » Sun Sep 03, 2006 5:44 am

Interestingly, I removed ALL links on my site to the message boards a few days ago. The spammers continued to post there at an alarming rate, indicating they are not finding the board through the primary website, but have already recorded its specific IP address, and don't need to get there via the usual website linkages. I have removed the URL from their posts, so clicking on them goes nowhere. But this is a daily, time-consuming job, and thus impractical. For now, to stop all posts until this problem is managed better, I have changed permissions of the mboard122 folder (actually, I continued to use the mboard121 folder, making the necessary changes in the settings.php file provided in version 122, as this was simplest at the time).

Any ideas for blocking these kinds of people...like hiding or encrypting the IP address (somehow) of the mboard.php file? That might be a good way to discourage these people. Somehow, they are bypassing the antispam feature, in which they need to enter the provided number in a provided text box prior to posting.

Your help...anyone's help...would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Chick

Post by **Klemen** » Sun Sep 03, 2006 5:18 pm

Yes, once they find your script they probably store it's location. Encrypting IP is not possible. What needs to be done is update the anti-spam security. I hope I can find some time to do it soon.

ChickNew · Post by **ChickNew** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 2:59 am

I too hope you find some time. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Some of the legitimate posters are contacting me (via a separate php form on the website) wanting to help also. I don't think these volunteers possess the scripting skills this project will require.

Will the spammers realize that the permissions are changed and the files are truly not accessible at the moment...or do they post blindly, without confirmation that their posts are blocked?

Chick

Post by **Klemen** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 8:54 am

I believe the majority of spammers use software/scripts to automatically post hundreds/thousands forms online. The software will probably keep trying and trying. And I mean all forms, including your contact form and any other forms you might have on the website.

ChickNew · Post by **ChickNew** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 1:53 pm

The contact form, thankfully, hasn't been taken over. It's been up longer than the message board.

I miss the message board though...

Chick