Server Update - Part Two

Da Nag · Posted: Sat Oct 13, 2007 5:12 pm Post subject: Server Update - Part Two

OK folks...I'm fairly satisfied with the state of things after the site migration/server upgrade. Now, comes another fun change...

I mentioned in another thread, that migrating to different software for the C-Brats was something I'm looking into. There are many reasons for this, but one of the primary issues I'm trying to address is security. phpBB, the software we use here, has a questionable track record in this area.

Unfortunately, switching to something better won't happen any time soon. In the mean time, I need to configure some server-side protection, that is more universal in nature. Essentially, it scans and blocks hacking attempts by "signature". Think of it as virus scanning on the C-Brat server; it actively looks at incoming requests, and blocks things that look suspicious.

The problem is, there's a balance to be found in setting how aggressive the scanning rules are. If I set them too lax, attackers can still get in. If I set them too strict, I may inadvertently disable some normal site function.

So...let this note be a heads up. I'll do my best to configure things so as not to disrupt any normal activity here, but I'm depending on all of you to reply here if you see something out of the ordinary - I can't possibly test every single function of the site.

I'll be dropping the security module in place tonight (Saturday), and will follow up here once done.

Thanks,

Bill

Pat Anderson · Posted: Sat Oct 13, 2007 5:21 pm Post subject:

Okie-dokie, we'll all let you know, except of course if the security blocks forum posts, email and PMs!

thataway · Posted: Sat Oct 13, 2007 8:19 pm Post subject:

Bill,
Thanks for all of the hard work in maintaining this site and making the changes. I found a couple of times I had trouble logging on--but during this time I was in remote locations, with poor connections.

This specific format --or one similar--has a lot of wonderful features.

The only criticism, is that the search engine seems to be overly broad--but that may be my own fault.

It is arguably the best boating site out there--and again thanks!

Bob Austin

hardee · Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2007 11:32 am Post subject: Server issues

Bill,
YOU GO MAN Thumbs Up

Thanks again for your continued efforts here.
Harvey
SleepyC Moon

Pat Anderson · Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2007 11:40 am Post subject:

I would say "unquestionably" rather than "arguably" the best boating site, even though I haven't seen all the others, I have seen the Hull Truth and a few others. I cannot imagine how a site could be better, whether general or brand-specific! We all owe a HUGE debt of gratitude to Bill and Mike!

Da Nag · Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 9:50 pm Post subject:

Okee dokee...I ran the scanning rules in "report only" mode for the last 24 hours, and I think I've adjusted the rules so nothing innocent gets blocked.

I've just activated them, so that any suspicious activities will now get blocked. If you see odd errors when doing something, please follow up here with the the following info:

- Approximate time you encountered the error

- What you were doing (page you were accessing, uploading a photo, etc.)

Note: It's important that you follow up in this thread - please don't send me an email or PM. Reason being, I need your IP address to troubleshoot things, and I can easily determine that from your post here.

CatyMae n Steve · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 9:15 am Post subject:

still not receiving notification of activity on threads I'm trying to follow.

Thanks Bill, for all you do Beer

Papillon · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 9:21 am Post subject:

Byrdman · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 10:11 am Post subject:

OK Bill... put me in the corner for time out.

I had just sent you a PM... sometimes my signature block post.... sometimes it does not.. I went in and turned it off, logged off, logged back on, turned it back on.... it worked on one or two messages....then... does not again.

Please take me off the hacker list. Mr. Green

Thanks for all your help on this site. It truly helps in keeping up with my cult friends!!!

See some of yall this weekend on the Gulf, others in a couple weeks on the Cumberland, others... in a few months in the Seattle area.

Byrdman

Byrdman · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 10:13 am Post subject:

Just like taking your car to the dealership... You bring up something does not work....and it does... you get home...and BAMMMMME! There it goes again.

Byrdman

Byrdman · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 10:14 am Post subject:

There!!! It did it... or did not do it... The signature block I mean.

This is the 3rd message... Who wants to bet??? WIll the signature block be there...or not?

Sneaks · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 10:30 am Post subject:

Byrdman · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 10:47 am Post subject:

Thanks Sneaks...and some others who PM/Emailed me on the matter.

No wonder I missed it....having to do with a race and all... I tend to go much slower now days.

And who does not giggle a bit when Papy' post that little "getting-my-feet-wet" gizmo.

Never deny yourself the pleasure of helping others.

Thanks Gang!

Byrdman
without the stuff under his name again.. Mr. Green

Sea Wolf · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 11:03 am Post subject:

CatyMae n Steve · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 1:09 pm Post subject: