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How to protect the forum against spam?

Discussion in 'Security' started by InternetAmbassador, Sep 17, 2021.

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  1. #1
    How to protect the forum against spam?
    "phpBB"
     
    InternetAmbassador, Sep 17, 2021 IP
  2. sarahk

    sarahk iTamer Staff

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    #2
    Can you add akismet to a phpBB forum?

    FYI it's what we use here but plenty of spam still gets through. We also have custom scripts looking for well-known bot tactics.

    Your moderation team is your best defence.
     
    sarahk, Sep 17, 2021 IP
  3. c1lonewolf

    c1lonewolf Member

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    #3
    phpbb gets a lot of bot traffic. It's been a while so you'll have to do the leg work.
    1. In the settings, disable the automatic member feature. This holds all new memberships
    in limbo until you approve them.

    2. Create a black list. This list contains all the domain names that normally bombard your site. You'll be able to tell which ones they are because you'll get a lot of member requests all using the same domain and I don't mean Google or yahoo. when membership form is submitted emails are checked against black list if exists the script should be programmed to remove it automatically.

    3. Create an modulating captcha. This only needs the captcha text view and an input field for people to fill in and place it form before submission. Modulating means both the "field name" and a "validation variable" are created randomly each time the form is loaded. The contents of the captcha text is also randomly generated.
    4. You'll have to approve or deny new memberships on a daily basis.
     
    c1lonewolf, Sep 20, 2021 IP
  4. sarahk

    sarahk iTamer Staff

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    #4
    If you can write a script to highlight/filter out the dodgy usernames

    These guys registered one after the other with only 2 minutes between them. Without even looking at their profiles I'd put $10 down that they're fake. Look at writing something to block them while letting other new users through.
    upload_2021-9-21_8-38-11.png

    I abandon forums that don't auto-approve. I don't mind my posts going into a moderation queue but if you expect me to remember to return to a forum, it's just not going to happen.
     
    sarahk, Sep 20, 2021 IP
  5. qwikad.com

    qwikad.com Illustrious Member Affiliate Manager

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    #5
    Why do people still want to start forums???????????????????
     
    qwikad.com, Sep 20, 2021 IP
  6. sarahk

    sarahk iTamer Staff

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    #6
    Having recently joined some tech discord groups I find forums a breath of fresh air! Searchable, threads that people actually use.
     
    sarahk, Sep 20, 2021 IP
  7. qwikad.com

    qwikad.com Illustrious Member Affiliate Manager

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    #7
    I used to frequent 6-7 somewhat popular forums. They are now either dead or dying. What chance do new forums have? In my book: ZERO.
     
    qwikad.com, Sep 20, 2021 IP
  8. sarahk

    sarahk iTamer Staff

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    #8
    We don't know if this one is new.
    It might have a very specific niche that users will embrace.
    But generally, you're right. It's not a business to sink a lot of time and energy into - let alone cash.
     
    sarahk, Sep 20, 2021 IP
    qwikad.com likes this.