Can anyone get to avast forum today?

http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=523094.msg3701160#msg3701160

From the guy who claimed to have written the change log of SMF 2.07 he is not amused about the claims of VLK

Two parties throwing mud at each other now. Let's wait and see, not much use speculating

 

Yes, it is odd that there hasn't been a 'redirect' to Blog news as mentioned or info page at least.
No mention on length of time that I can find.

 

This is going to be interesting, a pretty thorough challenge from simple machines...I wonder if Avast will come across with bona fide information publicly so those that are well versed in this subject can also draw conclusions as to who is at fault?

 

Now that's a game-changer right there. Somebody is under the bus and doesn't particularly care for the view. Who can blame them?

I commented earlier that saying avast will suffer reputation damage as a result of this hacking is not necessarily the same thing as saying that avast deserves it, but that personal view of mine is changing, after reading the response from Simple Machines' project manager and director.

Whenever a disagreement of this nature arises, it is always most revealing to observe which side speaks in generalities and which side speaks in specifics.

At this stage, it's clear to me that avast is the former and Simple Machines the latter.

Not so sure both sides are throwing mud. More like one throws mud and the other defends.

 

1b- We know that the Avast installation was not a default installation and that some personal modifications had been made to their installation

 

Pity that as a member run organization Simple Machines in all probability doesn't have enough cash on hand to file suit against Avast. Pity also there is no Pro Bono representation in Corporate Libel actions.

 

They have finally added some info at forum.avast.com.

Pretty much the same message as the emails and blog.

 

What started as a 'hacked support forum' has catapulted to something much different.

 

Looks like Avast is pretty hurt by this, and wants a fall guy, and they want SMF to be that fall guy. A pity as it looks like SMF is clean, and they've provided detailed specifics as to this fact, and in fact - the lack of response from Avast is quite alarming. SMF is an awesome forum tool, with a huge following. If Avast starts slinging dirt, especially undeserved dirt, they are in for a pretty big surprise from SMF community I would bet, and that's far more damaging than any legal action would be.

 

You (we) don't know, for certain, what actually happened.

 

One things clear, given the two conflicting statements re contact between Avast and SMF, someone is lying.

 

This shows a vulnerability in SMF 2.0.6 and earlier which, apparently, SMF had no knowledge of.

Known vulnerability in SMF 2.0.6. Read here:
http://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2013-7236

"Impact Type: Allows unauthorized disclosure of information; Allows unauthorized modification; Allows disruption of service"

Image attached comes from: http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=523094.0

 

Depending on Avast's response and the effect of this on their products (in security tests or whatever), I may have to reconsider using avast! Free Antivirus.

 

There are too many overly judgmental comments made here without knowing all the facts.

 

I don't really care who's at fault. I'm just glad I never joined the Avast forums. And now I probably never will.

 

I

I just thought the conflicting statements between Avast and SMF regarding contact on the breach was interesting....I'd like to see a fuller response from Avast.

 

You and me both.

I would like to see the forum back up and running soon. It has been down since Saturday and, unless they have found help on another forum, there are plenty of folks in the Virus and Worm section that have been sitting in limbo since this time. Nothing worse than having an infected computer with no help available and not knowing what to do.

 

Unlike you, I did join. At one time I used avast and their support forum became a place I had to visit to get help.
I haven't used avast for years, but now I have to go back to their forum to clean up after someone else's mess. I don't need a bunch of details to know that avast is at fault.
They aren't owning it, plain and simple, which says more about them than it does about the forum software.

Good point... we tend to overlook the folks who are caught in the middle of this crap.

 

Comment from vlk at Simple Machines forum.

http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=523094.msg3701329#msg3701329

Looks like they have toned things down a bit.

 

It happens that I have Avast and used their forum. It so happens that I have all different usernames on the forums I use but on some forums use the same password as on Avast forum. Most of those forums I haven't been on them for a very long time, some of them for years.

So does it mean that I have to change all the passwords on those *some* forums other than Avast?

Thanks!

 

Per Vince Steckler, CEO AVAST Software, in the avast blog, "If you use the same password and user names to log into any other sites, please change those passwords immediately."
You probably know that, but since you don't utilize the same username in other forums, but do use the same password in other forums, you are wondering what to do.
In my opinion, you would probably be okay, but if it was me, I'd change passwords in the other forums just to clean up their mess for them.
It's an even bigger PITA given that you haven't visited those forums in a long time... but I'd still make the changes.

 

Page42: Thank you so much for your explanation. I will certainly follow up your advice. Luckily I still have the usernames and their websites written down, some are about 10 years old.

 

I have belonged to the Avast forums for years, and do not regret it.
I have confidence they will get it under control. At this time I am not using Avast, but would not hesitate to go to it if I deemed it advantageous. Avast ha always been my fall back AV.
Jerry