Security Mods For SMF 2.x Forums

[Skhilled]

Here are some mods that you can use to help fight again spammers and hackers. Be warned that some of these mods use a database of spammers, hackers, etc. Sometimes, people wrongly accuse (or just mistake) honest people for spammers/hackers. Be careful and sure of who you ban or add to these databases!

If you have idiots who are just naughty and not spamming/hacking and who you think should be banned, DO NOT add them to these databases!!! They are idiots and not spammers or hackers...there is a difference. Just because someone was not very nice at your site doesn't mean that they will play nice at other sites. Just ban them in the normal SMF fashion.

You should have a topic or way for banned users who are legit to read/email you so they can state their case. You can always unban and apologize later.

You should use these mods in conjunction with your SMF security settings. A tutorial for what general SMF security settings you should use to fight against hackers and spammers is in the works.

SMF Mods:

http:BL - This mod uses Project Honey Pot.org's database of email/info harvesters, comment spammers, spam servers and dictionary attackers to flag people/bots from registering on your site. It will actually prevent those found in it's db from registering. It is always wise to check anyone registering (even if they pass the check) to be sure.

You should register for an account at Project Honey Pot's site to add certain files to your site to help in the install process. Also, to add bots, spammers, etc. and to add people/bots to the database. This will not only help you but will help anyone else who uses this mod. There is also a lot of great info there about protecting your site.

Stop Forum Spam - This mod uses Stop Forum Spam.com's database to flag registering people/bots. It will put those found in its db into the "Awaiting Approval" list for your approval. You must add new bots/spammers into the db at the stopforumspam.com website.

You should register for an account at Stop Forum Spam's site to add new bots, etc. to help in the process and to add people/bots to the database. This will not only help you but will help anyone else who uses this mod.

Stop Spammer - This mod Stop Forum Spam.com's database to flag registering people/bots. It will put those found in its db into the "Awaiting Approval" list for your approval. BUT you can also add them to the db from within SMF!

You should register for an account at Stop Forum Spam's site to add new bots, etc. to help in the process and to add people/bots to the database. This will not only help you but will help anyone else who uses this mod.

Forum Firewall - A very powerful mod that should be used with the utmost caution!!! You can ban regular users and yourself VERY easily!!! Also, you must use the "DOS ATTACK" settings very sparingly! It will ban/block normal users who just might have forgotten their password. You need to adjust the setting to be sure. Ask someone to help you test this until they are no longer banned.

More Spiders - Adds 77 (currently) more spiders to the Spiders section in your SMF so you can tell the difference when viewing Who's Online.

Bad Behavior mod - A PHP-based solution for blocking link spam and the robots which deliver it. It is recommended to use the http:BL mod along with this mod which uses Project Honey Pot's db as well. Please follow the instructions for the http:BL  mod and install it first!!!

This mod has 2 parts! You must install both parts, in order, and follow the directions for it to work!

This list will be updated as needed.

Please use these at your own risk and make sure that you read all of the instructions!!!

[Skhilled]

This is now an article which can be found in the SMF 2 Security block and has been updated.