Getting Rid of the Bots

[homedaduk]

We've seen it a few times recently...

A random bot will post random rubbish or offensive links in this forum.

If this does happen then don't even bother to reply in the thread and please don't follow the links either.

It's a waste of time complaining in the forum or sending a PM to the bot.

Just send me a PM and I'll delete it and band the username too.

I've just worked out how to ban *@mail.ru email addresses so maybe that will stop some of them? Other tips on how to stop the bots from phpbb would be most appreciated (as would any ideas on the quickest way to delete such users!)

[Simon Windisch]

Hi there,

As Nick pointed out, we've had trouble with spammers registering on our website recently.

In order to get rid of these, and to make administration of this forum easier, I've just been through our list of users, and deactivated everyone who has never posted, except for those who have joined since 1st October. If you are one of these people, and are still visiting this site, then you will have to reactivate your user ID. I will delete all of these users who are still inactive in a couple of weeks.

So sorry to all genuine lurkers, you're still welcome, but we have people who registered in 2004 and have never logged on. If you want to make sure that you don't get inactivated again, then just make a post on this forum, to say hello once, and I won't inactivate you again.

All the best - Simon

[neil_pie_PHP]

I can't remember whether there was a CAPTCHA on registration or not when I signed up. It may be that you need to drop one in, or replace the existing one with something slightly more effective. Because PHPBB is so well etablished and widespread now, you might find that the default CAPTCHA has been cracked and provides little protection any more.

[Simon Windisch]

Cheers Neil,

My last post was three years ago, it's all sorted now with custom CAPTCHAs

Simon