ADMIN Lurkers, if you want to join this board, here's how

[Dennis Olson]

Lurkers, if you want to join this board, send an email request to:

registrar@timebomb2000.com

Please include two choices for board name, and the email address you want associated with your member record.

NOTE: This site is entirely private and not-for-profit. We do not sell your information to third parties, or spam you with solicitation emails (except that once a year we run a fundraiser to pay the next year’s ISP fees.) Membership is by request. Since we had so many bad experiences with open enrollment, we had to do it this way. We own the server and software, so no “corporate monitoring” of what you read is performed.

NOTE: We have a Prime Directive here: "Don't be a dick." We have a dedicated forum room for those who want to "let it all hang out." Aside from that room, flaming and trolling are absolutely not tolerated.

 

[Be Well]

Dennis - I've been absent for a long time and thinking and thinking of TB'ers and hope all are well. I have not forgotten promises....

Someone emailed you about wanting to become a member, I have known him on another forum and he used me as a recommendation which was fine with me. PM coming your way...

 

[Be Well]

Sorry, I can't figure out how to PM you. All new look... Guy first used another screen name for me and then I told him my name here. If I can figure out how to do PMs I'll report.

 

[Dennis Olson]

PMs are initiated by clicking the little envelope at the top, then clicking "Start a Conversation".

SO NICE to see you again! I was very concerned (still am actually.)

 

[Be Well]

Thanks, will attempt. I hope your shoulder is way way better.

 

[Cardinal]

Welcome back Be Well. You have been missed.

 

[mikeabn]

Lurkers-once, I was like you- crawling in darkness. Folks-I was a lurker for over 10 years. If you're reading this let me tell you that, after 600 + posts, all you have to do is be reasonable, respectful and above all stick to your principles. Not everyone will agree with you but that's life. TB2K is enriched by everyone who joins and contributes. So join!

 

[skwentnaflyer]

Who’s doing the new member signups right now?

 

[Deena in GA]

Who’s doing the new member signups right now?

I am.

 

[skwentnaflyer]

I am.

I’ll pm you tomorrow or Monday, thanks!

 

[MartinK9]

I am.

Many thanks for a quick and painless authorisation.

 

[King Samson]

NOTE: This site is entirely private and not-for-profit. We do not sell your information to third parties, or spam you with solicitation emails (except that once a year we run a fundraiser to pay the next year’s ISP fees.)

Hi, Question for Dennis or any other tech mods. I received the warning below from Norton, and was wondering, I thought this site was on a private server, and doesn't collect tracking information? I was a long term lurker (multiple years) and recently signed up for membership. I never got the Norton warning all those other years, but just yesterday.

I frequent many different sites, and stay logged into them, and never have seen this warning before on any of them. Can Dennis or someone clarify what's being tracked and collected here? Secret spyware maybe? The Russians? Thanks.

 

[Dennis Olson]

There are no tracking apps on our server.

 

[Hfcomms]

Norton is pretty infamous for false positives. Tried it once.

 

[Kris Gandillon]

Hackers love to use well-known screen images like that as well to scare you into clicking their links. Not impossible but I highly doubt that pop-up actually came from Norton. But you have obviously picked up a virus or malware from someplace.

 

[King Samson]

I've been using Norton for decades, and visit tons of sites. Never got that warning from any other site. This pop-up was from Norton. I just found it strange that it alerted me, since I just recently signed up. Was lurking for years, but it never happened before. Are we really sure there's no hidden trackers in the Xenforo updates?

 

[Dennis Olson]

Norton went to sh*t when Symantec bought ‘em out. Avast went to sh*t when they let malware “ride” on a production update on their own website. These days I just use Malware Bytes. I used to only use Avast.

I’ll forward this thread to our admin guy for review, but as dem darkies would say, “Ain’t nothin there, Willis.”

 

[tc0nn]

I can do some checking but it’s probably because somebody using xenforo got hacked so now all xenforo sites are flagged. We have not collected or sold data ever. We certainly don’t have any financial or medical data like that message suggests.

 

[Dennis Olson]

 

[Kris Gandillon]

If Norton was really the source of that popup warning we would be seeing lots of others reporting the same issue as we do have a lot of Norton users here.

We’re not seeing any other such reports.

Troubleshooting 101 says that when only one user is experiencing an issue, it is 99.999% sure that the problem is likely at that user’s end….their device, their network, or maybe even their ISP.

Any of our other Norton users experiencing this same popup warning and just haven’t reported it to us?

 

[Kris Gandillon]

Also there is this:

Recognizing and avoiding Norton scams

Norton, like other well-known brands, is often used by scammers to trick people into falling for various schemes. These scams aim to steal your personal information, money, or gain unauthorized access to your computer.

Here are some common Norton-related scams and how to protect yourself:
1. Phishing (email and text scams)

• How it works: You receive an email or text message that appears to be from Norton. These messages often create a sense of urgency, claiming your subscription is expiring, your computer is infected, or a charge has been made to your account that you didn't authorize. The messages usually include a link or a phone number to contact to resolve the fake issue. If you click the link, it might lead you to a fake website designed to steal your login credentials or personal data. If you call the number, you'll likely reach a scammer disguised as a Norton representative who will attempt to gain remote access to your computer or convince you to make fraudulent payments.
• How to avoid:
  • Be skeptical: Approach any unexpected or urgent message from Norton (or any company) with caution.
  • Don't click links or download attachments: Avoid interacting with suspicious elements in these messages.
  • Verify legitimacy: If you're concerned about your Norton account, go directly to the official Norton website (norton.com) by typing the address into your browser, rather than clicking on a link in an email or text message. Once on the official site, you can log into your account and check for any alerts or messages directly. You can also use the Norton Genie free scam detector to check if an email is a scam.
  • Look for red flags: Watch out for misspellings, grammar mistakes, urgent language, requests for personal information, or offers that seem too good to be true.

2. Tech support scams

• How it works: Scammers may impersonate Norton support agents through cold calls, emails, texts, or pop-up warnings. They might claim there's a problem with your computer, that your subscription has expired, or offer fake virus removal services. The ultimate goal is to gain remote access to your computer, install malware, or charge you for unnecessary and overpriced services.
• How to avoid:
  • Official Norton Support is free to current subscribers: You will only receive a call from official Norton support if you request it.
  • Don't allow remote access to unsolicited contacts: Never grant remote access to your computer to someone who contacted you unexpectedly claiming to be from Norton.
  • Use official channels for support: If you need assistance with your Norton product, navigate directly to support.norton.com for help.

3. Fraudulent payment requests

• How it works: Scammers may demand payment for fake services or ask you to renew your subscription using unconventional payment methods. They might ask you to wire funds, send gift cards, or use person-to-person payment services like PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, or CashApp.
• How to avoid:
  • Norton will never ask you to use unusual payment methods: Be suspicious of requests for payment outside of the usual channels.
  • Use the official Norton website for renewals and purchases: Only purchase or renew your Norton products directly from norton.com or authorized retailers.

What to do if you suspect you've been scammed

• Report the scam:
  • Forward suspicious emails as an attachment to spam@norton.com or spam@nortonlifelock.com.
  • Report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to sms@norton.com.
• Take action:
  • Change your passwords: Update passwords for your computer, financial institutions, Norton account, and any other relevant accounts.
  • Run a full system scan: Check your computer for malware using your antivirus software.
  • Consider using Norton Power Eraser: This tool can detect and remove more complex threats than traditional antivirus.
  • Contact the company or your bank:If you made a payment to a scammer, try to get a refund from the company or contact your bank to report the issue.
  • File a complaint: Contact the appropriate consumer protection authorities.

By staying vigilant, recognizing the signs of a scam, and using official channels for your Norton interactions, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

 

[King Samson]

Norton went to sh*t when Symantec bought ‘em out. Avast went to sh*t when they let malware “ride” on a production update on their own website. These days I just use Malware Bytes.

Sorry you had such bad experiences with Norton, it's been rock solid for me for a long time, catching issues in websites, downloads and email. I went and ran MalwareBytes for Sh!ts and giggles, and it came back clean, just like my Norton scans. I'll just watch it, to see if I get any other warnings or it catches anything.

Deena sent me the log on password on 7/28, but I actually didn't log on until last weekend, I believe. So that's why I thought it was weird that I got that Norton pop-up, after only a few days of being logged in.

 

[King Samson]

By staying vigilant, recognizing the signs of a scam, and using official channels for your Norton interactions, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

I've been on these "Interwebs" for quite a few decades, and recognize these scams all the time. It's not that, I NEVER click on unknown or questionable links. I get pop-up windows like the one above from Norton every day, trying to remind me of certain features, or reports, or trying to upsell more services. I recognize them all, except that one I posted above. Totally out of the ordinary, and strange that it popped-up only a few days after first logging in, after lurking for years.

Maybe it's the Russians.....

 

[Dennis Olson]

Dude, you’re free to leave here and never return, at your discretion. I, personally, have over 40 years in tech, all of it working with software. Kris is the same. Our admin, tc0nn, is a system security expert, and has our server locked down so tight a mouse fart couldn’t get in. I consider this matter closed, and an issue with your machine only. You do whatever you must, but we’re done here.

 

[West]

I've been on these "Interwebs" for quite a few decades, and recognize these scams all the time. It's not that, I NEVER click on unknown or questionable links. I get pop-up windows like the one above from Norton every day, trying to remind me of certain features, or reports, or trying to upsell more services. I recognize them all, except that one I posted above. Totally out of the ordinary, and strange that it popped-up only a few days after first logging in, after lurking for years.

Maybe it's the Russians.....

Could be the bot/bug that has control of your computer. Just the word bomb in the address is setting off the Norton pop-up warning?

Sometimes the virus is the program. Like Microsoft OS.



IDK

 

[momma_soapmaker]

I haven't used Norton in literally years. It's one of the worst.

Go to Malwarebytes and do a free scan.

 

[King Samson]

Dude, you’re free to leave here and never return, at your discretion.

Wow, why so hostile? I'm asking a simple question as a new member. You want new members, right?

I hope it's because you're having a bad day.

I, personally, have over 40 years in tech,

Yes, I know, as I said, I've lurked for quite a while. But since I don't want to get into resumes, let's just say that I understand these systems too.

I hope you feel better tomorrow.

 

[Dennis Olson]

Hostile? I’m not hostile. But since you refuse to let it rest, let me ask you:

WHY DIDN’T YOU SEND A PM QUERY? Instead, you hijacked a thread (repeatedly) that has nothing at all to do with your issue. Alternatively you could have started a dedicated thread. But no, you couldn’t just do the right thing.

WHY?

 

[Dennis Olson]

Tell you what: PM me the salient points in your resume and I’ll do the same. We don’t need to have a public pissing contest. But I don’t believe you are more qualified than I, because if you were, you’d have dealt with this issue differently.