Spam Bots

[gray929]

We just had two spam bot postings here. You know the kind where their name is something like this: AL5gT58 and they post all those weird letter/number/symbol links? Anyways, I have a few questions.

1. What does posting those spammy messages do for them?
2. How do they bypass a security check designed just for them?
3. Who do they work for? huh, who I say? Google?

[. i n t e l]

gray929 said:

We just had two spam bot postings here. You know the kind where their name is something like this: AL5gT58 and they post all those weird letter/number/symbol links? Anyways, I have a few questions.

1.  What does posting those spammy messages do for them?
2. How do they bypass a security check designed just for them?
3. Who do they work for? huh, who I say? Google?

Most bots post information linking to a website who created them.

They can bypass security the same as members sign up.
VB, and phpbb have mods you can add that ask you a question on the registration page that asks a question you have to get correct
or it will reject your request for a account. It will ask questions
like what color is the sky. Things like that. Bots just can grab the
information they need for signing up all on the registration page.

Google is a big bot maker however they dont post. Google bots
search forums and websites for information to better there search
program. Most bots that post on message boards are created for websites by a company and they then search the web looking
for a chance to post information.

[Sanus Compleo]

Maybe we should have a staff member approve all new accounts. It would certainly make these baddies go away.

[Kahless]

they werent members, they posted as guests

[Stinky666]

1) They make money for that company by people clicking the links xD

[Sanus Compleo]

Ah, i didn't know that part xP Maybe we shouldn't allow guests to post. *I had feared that they got past the registration process*

[Moldy Cheese]

Damn spam bots. For now, since there's only been two, I think we're gonna leave guest posting open. The staff will simply modify the post so the links are gone and an admin will delete the post ASAP.

[Blink]

Don't guests have to type an image to text? If the bots could bypass this they could certainly sign up. My old php forum had tons of bots signing up and spamming. Made my very angry.

Maybe just close the forum before it's too late.

[Moldy Cheese]

It's a common occurrence for guest spam bots on PB. I've never seen one actually having the capability to register so it's fine. If the attacks persist, we will have to close guest posting I guess.

[Stinky666]

I've come across the little bitches that can register =O

[gray929]

Bastards! Keep getting smarter.

I like the question idea. Proboards should try that instead of the letter/number security check.

O, and if they want money, why don't they have convincing link titles? Someone is more likely to click on "You won a prize" than "AG§5PL7+"

[Beeeeeel]

It's a shame that companies would be so in need of revenue that they ruin other people's experiences on websites. Oh well, I've had my fair share of them, and I've seen a fair share, as well. They annoy the hell out of me, to be honest.