What is up with FPN?

[HughC]

As FPN we don't normally comment on anything said about FPN on any other site.

So let me just explain the current status.

First of all, FPN isn't and wasn't hacked. However, with the redirects experienced by several people, and FPN being a family-oriented board, we could not do anything but react and bring the board off-line and investigate very, very thoroughly. That is exactly what we did. It is very clear that FPN itself is clean, squeaky clean, as is its server, software and any files on the system.

What appears to be the case is what is called DNS-spoofing. A compromised or hacked DNS server somewhere redirects FPN traffic to other sites than FPN. It doesn't happen all the time, and not to everybody, but it is worrying nonetheless. With the aid of the server hosting team, the software support team, and a bunch of helpful fans, we are working towards a solution.

It isn't simple, and it takes time to do.

In short, we are working on it, at different levels. That's all there is to it.

Regards, Wim
FPN Admin

So now you turn up. How about answering some of the "other" questions and queries about the way you "operate" ( that's a polite way of putting it) in a forum where you don't just delete what you don't like? Your opening line is a really gutless way to avoid open debate, try being a decent person for once and you might find some people would respect that. The way you've treated some people is just pathetic ( and sad), simple as that. I do hope you solve the issues as you have a worthwhile and generally well liked forum , pity I can't say that about you though.

Warm Regard
Hugh

[david i]

As FPN we don't normally comment on anything said about FPN on any other site.

So let me just explain the current status.

First of all, FPN isn't and wasn't hacked. However, with the redirects experienced by several people, and FPN being a family-oriented board, we could not do anything but react and bring the board off-line and investigate very, very thoroughly. That is exactly what we did. It is very clear that FPN itself is clean, squeaky clean, as is its server, software and any files on the system.

What appears to be the case is what is called DNS-spoofing. A compromised or hacked DNS server somewhere redirects FPN traffic to other sites than FPN. It doesn't happen all the time, and not to everybody, but it is worrying nonetheless. With the aid of the server hosting team, the software support team, and a bunch of helpful fans, we are working towards a solution.

It isn't simple, and it takes time to do.

In short, we are working on it, at different levels. That's all there is to it.

Regards, Wim
FPN Admin

Hey, bud. I can share some pictures with you, if that will help. Bwhahahaha...

regards

David

[woosang]

P.S. Hey Woosang!

Hello, yes?? ,

[ethernautrix]

So, uh, where do I post about Pen Posses? Geek Groups? Geek Gatherings? Er... Geekerings?

[KrazyIvan]

So, uh, where do I post about Pen Posses? Geek Groups? Geek Gatherings? Er... Geekerings?

Sounds like "Clubs and Shows" forum.

:waves:

[dannzeman]

So, uh, where do I post about Pen Posses? Geek Groups? Geek Gatherings? Er... Geekerings?

Oh, Lisa...
Snap37.jpg
Clubs and Shows

[Jon Szanto]

Snap37.jpg

Hmmm, maybe poorly named. I could see Lisa smacking me over the head with a bat and then flashing people...

[Sailor Kenshin]

Eats, shoots, and leaves?

[radaddict]

As FPN we don't normally comment on anything said about FPN on any other site.

So let me just explain the current status.

First of all, FPN isn't and wasn't hacked. However, with the redirects experienced by several people, and FPN being a family-oriented board, we could not do anything but react and bring the board off-line and investigate very, very thoroughly. That is exactly what we did. It is very clear that FPN itself is clean, squeaky clean, as is its server, software and any files on the system.

What appears to be the case is what is called DNS-spoofing. A compromised or hacked DNS server somewhere redirects FPN traffic to other sites than FPN. It doesn't happen all the time, and not to everybody, but it is worrying nonetheless. With the aid of the server hosting team, the software support team, and a bunch of helpful fans, we are working towards a solution.

It isn't simple, and it takes time to do.

In short, we are working on it, at different levels. That's all there is to it.

Regards, Wim
FPN Admin

If the redirects are the result of DNS spoofing, there's not much you can do about it. Further, it's not FPN's responsibility to fix it. If people accessing FPN get redirected to another site, they need to complain to their local service provider, not FPN. Someone complaining to FPN because they got redirected to another web site when they tried to access FPN would be like me complaining to Maxwell House because the sales clerk at my local Wal-Mart told me Maxwell House coffee was on isle 2 when it fact it's on isle 6. You can't fix this problem on your end of the chain. Asking members to clear their local cache (as you've done) can help, but only if the problem has been fixed on the DNS server(s) they access for name resolution. The local cache speeds up name resolution by accessing the DNS details on the local computer rather than having to access the DNS servers every time name resolution was needed. However, the local DNS cache information is only as good as the information it got from the DNS servers to begin with. Cudos perhaps for trying and being responsive to member complaints, but good luck with that.

Hi all. I would have preferred my first post here to have been something about fountain pens, but it is what it is. Wait... I can fix that...

Fountain pens are awesome and I'm happy to be here!

[southpaw52]

We have a great forum right here. I see no reason to discuss the issues at FPN.

[piscov]

Agree!!! Its enough... but I can´t help watching... human nature is a strange thing...

[tytoalba]

....

[nomadhacker]

DNS Spoofing wouldn't be redirecting individual pages. It works on DNS lookups, which are at the domain level.

[tytoalba]

thanks for the explanation in non tech language.
I didn't have any of the negative redirects, but then I have fairly tight security, and clean the "machine" obsessively due to past issues. (runs quicker that way too).
Also, Thanks to FPG's for hosting all the extra folks. I've been popping in here for a long time, and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere.

My single pen world grievance is that I work Saturdays and can't watch the Podcasts live. Great Show Guys!!! Great good humor, and quite the polished performances.

oops duplicate post sorry.

[markeh]

In general, the DNS system has some security issues. Nothing to do with any particular web site.

You don't need to use the DNS services provided by your ISP, which can sometimes be less secure. This can be changed in Windows, at the router lever (in your home or business), and probably on a MAC, (though I'm not personally familiar.)

A few free alternatives:

OpenDNS
http://www.opendns.com/business-solu...-dns/benefits/

Norton Connect Safe:

https://dns.norton.com/dnsweb/dnsForHome.do



.

[Biber]

We have a great forum right here. I see no reason to discuss the issues at FPN.

But its so cathartic.

[ThriveToScribe]

Have only been to the site twice, and ages ago. I had trouble following threads but perhaps that was lack of forum experience. At any rate, my husband uses a prop replica forum and their rules are very strict so it does depend on the mods and what their goals are. Sometimes those goals are not compatible with all users. I so enjoy this community and the free exchange of information, reviews, opinions, etc. I have learned so much I don't have a need for another forum right now. But I am a FP simpleton compared to most of you, so I hope you can encourage clarity on their new rules so you can continue to enjoy that community, too.

From a fellow forum simpleton, Tracy, I had the same experience of being overwhelmed by the content. I sort of joined by mistake because (being an uber-Noobie in forums) I thought it was like a "parent company" of FPGeeks. Boy, was I wrong. I feel so comfortable here with you all, it was like I got on the wrong train going over there. Having said that, I did get on the FPInks train to get the three exclusive inks. Using PayPal to pay to an email address directly was new to me, so I kept emailing Win-Admin to see if they got the payment. They were nice about it, seemingly hurried with all the requests, and I finally received them. Then they went offline. Whew! (Longest post I've ever written...so far)

[KrazyIvan]

I can recommend OpenDNS. I use the family/home version of OpenDNS to help secure my home network. It runs on my router (which has Tomato router firmware). I also installed some extra scripts on Tomato for another layer of protection.

[wimg]

Well, we located the cause of the problems, and fixed it with the aid of our registrar.

This means that FPN may be unreachable for up to 24 hours from some parts of the internet. Someone appears to have changed the Domain Name Server registration at the registrar, not in our account itself, and our ip-address was replaced on their servers with someone else's. This means there were two sets of DNS's, each set pointing to different ip-addresses, one correct and one wrong.

That is corrected now, but needs to propagate over the internet first. As mentioned, that takes up to 24 hours.

Regards, Wim
FPN Admin

[ethernautrix]

Snap37.jpg

Hmmm, maybe poorly named. I could see Lisa smacking me over the head with a bat and then flashing people...

Thanks, Dan!

Jon, don't you mean (for the second part) DANCING! like a ballerina!