Questions about Spam Bots

[Jason Rimbaud]

What exactly is a "spam bot"? Apparently we are having problems with these thingys and I don't really know what they are or how to look for them.

Jason

[Graeme]

There are special computer programs designed to search through the Internet. Some of these are okay -- that's the way Google learns of new things for it to store in its database so you can search for things.

However, some are written for what many would consider to be a more sinister purpose. The "spam bots" search the Internet looking for public forums (like AD) where they can register themselves as new 'members', and then use those registrations to make inappropriate posts. They seem to be roughly equally divided between advertising porn sites and advertising sites selling pharmaceuticals.

In response, forum software developers work to try to ensure that only humans register as members to the forums, but it's a never ending battle as the spam bot developers find ways around the techniques that the forum software developers use. That's what happened here -- a new breed of spam bot has found a way past the protections in our forum software. We have plans on how to stop them, but they'll take a bit of time to put in place.

[The Pecman]

What exactly is a "spam bot"?

Wikipedia can be your friend!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spam_bot

Very scary how these things work, and how they can snowball very quickly. I've heard of some Usenet newsgroups and websites that have come crashing to a halt after thousands of spambots descended on them, after as little as a few hours.

You gotta wonder about the twisted minds that create these things...

[Camy]

A spam bot is a very traditional recipe originating on The Isle of Dogs. It's a dish often served at large banquets, and is supposed to be thoroughly scrumptious.

The use large moulds - in the shape of a bottom - which they fill with spam.

Camy

[Cole Parker]

Yes, spam bots. I get it now.

Does the recipe also call for just a smidgen of chocolate?

C

[Cole Parker]

It looks like there are two more hideous perversions now masquerading as forum topics alive and well. Are we supposed to open them, then click REPORT, of is it best to ignore them?

C

[Camy]

Yes, spam bots. I get it now.

Does the recipe also call for just a smidgen of chocolate?

C

Absolutely, definitely, NOT!

[Richard Norway]

Yes, spam bots. I get it now.

Does the recipe also call for just a smidgen of chocolate?

C

I opened the first one and skipped the second one.

I think we have a problem

[DesDownunder]

I have removed the topics and posts.

It seems like it was posted by a -guest- which shouldn't be possible.

Please keep me informed of any further violations.

A new upgrade for the IP Board software is on the way as soon as we can get it.

This hopefully addresses the problems.

[Cole Parker]

I've seen a couple of these incursions for the past several days. My question is, what is the process I should use? Do I open them and hit REPORT? Or do I sent you an email reporting them? What's the best way to act when I see them?

C

[DesDownunder]

email me if you like. It is probably quicker as I am on every 5 hours or so.

But I am watching and checking as soon as I log on.

It is most annoying for us all, but we will survive. I have taken further steps to slow these beasts down, but if they can bypass those measures then we should signal the mother-ship for help.

I tried to tell them that anal probing wouldn't stop spamming, but did they listen to me...NO!

[Cole Parker]

Oh, wait a minute. Who said anything about anal probing? And where's the sign-up list?

C