PDQ OWNERS FORUM

[b]Why is our forum here being cyber attacked every weekend, with dozen's of "new members"? Is it time to move to another bulletin board. Is our personal data in danger? I'm concerned !!! Comments from other legitimate members. Salwa has to deal with all of this every Monday.

Terry[/b]

I just took a look at the phpbb site, and I think we could close the forum to the public. That means someone would have to screen new members on a daily basis. That would be a chore, and I don't think we should expect Salwah to have the time.

I would be glad to screen newbies if that would be acceptable to the group. I do check the forum on a nearly daily basis. I also host the http://www.pdq36.com website. Hope I can help.

Sam

I take exception to the comment. I just joined this weekend, and had problems with my login. I can be bonified by Nando, who knows me, and has even met me.....We are on the Renegades board......

What comment are you taking exception to?

I would just like to comment on my original posting. I don't believe that our forum and its members intend to exclude anyone who has a interest in PDQ's, catamarans, or are just interested in sailing. The problem exists with "Searchbots" which are automated programs which add new members that have such websites attached linked to porn, drugs, cheap loans, etc., etc.. These attached websites and links may also contain malignant software which mines your personal data and can attach viruses or worms!

Folks like "Whitebread" should always be allowed access to our forum, it is just the automated sign-ups with which I have the most concern. I have seen over 100 (One Hundred) new "members" sign up over a weekend while Salwa was unavailable to vet them. They were removed as soon as she was able to access the group. I have also seen the website "taken down" or fail, in all probability, due to this problem.

I just think that the topic is worthy of discussion by all of us who have a legitimate interest in this forum.

Hi,

I'm looking into installing two fixes that will minimize the number of spammers trying to register on the forum. As for the question regarding a security threat, please read below:

Is spam a security threat?
No. While spammers may seem like they are breaking through your defenses, they actually don't do anything that a regular users couldn't do (register, post, etc). Spam is therefore not a vulnerability and should not be considered as such.

I will install one modification that will prevent spammers from seeing the memberlist - the other modification will require an additional step to registration that might 'confuse' the spam bot.

In the meantime, I'll continue to monitor the site and delete annoying spammers.

Salwa

I fully understand, and agree. I just got a little 'jab' at the newbie line....Granted I don't have a boat yet<I want to find one line Nando's, but I don't have the change for it.

I do want to learn more on sailing, and I feel after going to countless boat shows, reading hundreds of articles and talking to many other I can fit to a PDQ or a Maine Cat.

I like the advantages of the PDQ as a full salon, rather than a covered roof. Also, following Nando's travels. It seems to be a very stable, Well built, and layed out efficiently.

Asa

Thanks Salwa,

Your reply eases my mind a bit. I know that you work very hard to maintain this wonderful forum. These spam-bots are a pain. I have had to privatized the 5 forums that I administer. I'm very glad this one remains open to all.

Thanks again for all that you do!