HamerFanClub Site Status Update

[hikarateboy]

Hello everyone,

I wanted to provide an update on the recent interruption and the work that has been taking place behind the scenes.

Over the past several days, the site has been operating in a restricted access mode while I worked through a security review, cleanup, and infrastructure recovery process. As part of that work, a number of outdated components, unused software, and legacy items were removed, security controls were strengthened, and the server environment was rebuilt and tested.

The good news is that the core site, forums, content, and member data remain intact, and the site is steadily returning to normal operation.

What Happened?

The server showed signs of unauthorized activity that required a thorough investigation and cleanup process. Out of an abundance of caution, access was restricted while the environment was reviewed, repaired, and hardened.

At this time there is no evidence that forum content, member posts, or historical discussion data were lost.

What Was Done?

Among other things:

• Security controls were strengthened.
• Several unused or outdated components were removed.
• Legacy software that was no longer needed was eliminated.
• WordPress and related components were updated and cleaned up.
• Additional monitoring and alerting were put in place.
• The server environment was rebuilt and tested in a restricted-access mode before returning to service.

What You May Notice

Over the next several days you may notice:

• Minor visual changes on portions of the site.
• Navigation or menu updates.
• Theme/layout adjustments.
• Temporary issues with less frequently used features as they are tested and restored.
• Occasional maintenance windows.

If you see anything that looks broken, missing, or unusual, please report it rather than assuming someone else already has.

What To Watch For

Please let me know if you encounter any of the following:

• Login problems.
• Missing pages or content.
• Broken links.
• Missing images or attachments.
• Forum posting problems.
• Account permission issues.
• Unexpected redirects.
• Anything that simply "doesn't look right."

The more specific the report, the faster I can investigate.

Thank You

I know interruptions and maintenance periods can be frustrating. I appreciate everyone's patience while I worked through this process. The goal has been to make sure the site remains available, secure, and reliable for the long term.

Thank you for sticking with HamerFanClub.

— Ted

[kizanski]

Thanks so much, Ted.  

[mathman]

The debt we owe is millions of happy meals.... Thanks

[Hbom]

Thanks Ted. We'd be lost without you.

 

[scottcald]

Thanks for all you do, Ted.  

I'm just going to say it was Fender CEO looking to sue over the Daytona. 😄

[G Man]

You the Man Ted!  Thanks for all you do to keep this place alive.

[The Shark]

Over and above, Ted.  Thanks.

[Menehune]

Your diligence is deeply appreciated, Ted.

[Steve Haynie]

Thank you for putting up with the technical issues.  Thank you for giving us wisecrackers a place to play.

[cmatthes]

As always, Ted, you totally rule!

 

[specialk]

And here I thought the Russians had sent their AI force to remove all traces if Hamer from the interwebs. Thank you Ted, for keeping us safe. 

[cmatthes]

1 minute ago, specialk said:

And here I thought the Russians had sent their AI force to remove all traces if Hamer from the interwebs. Thank you Ted, for keeping us safe. 

I'm not saying they did...but I'm not saying they DIDN'T...

[BadgerDave]

Thank you Ted.

In the immortal words of Ms. Mitchell: "Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you've got till it's gone" 

 

[hikarateboy]

2 hours ago, specialk said:

And here I thought the Russians had sent their AI force to remove all traces if Hamer from the interwebs. Thank you Ted, for keeping us safe. 

They sure tried, but we are not out of the woods yet.  Been watching all night and so far so good.  Lets hope they got bored and went home.  Keep your eyes peeled for weirdness and let me know right away if you see anything

[gorch]

There is a Wordpress issue documented that hit my little reflexology pages as well the other day. It‘s a managed service and they had provided steps to solve the issues. I followed all, but the server seemed still showing unwanted activities. After a few days, I had been offered to play in an older but clean backup that was not available to me by service. Seems to be fine by now. I have had this kind of issues several times in my IT life. Always a hassle of work. In one case I reprogrammed an open source software -phpNuke- myself to make sure doors are closed. I can imagine your job, Ted. These issues always happen when not needed i.e. around Christmas/New Year. A big thank you is not enough, to say it really. I truly hope you are almost through it.