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+----- Thread: Direct download links & Virustotal scan reports (/Thread-Direct-download-links-Virustotal-scan-reports)
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Direct download links & Virustotal scan reports - Tracefl0w - 06-27-2019
Suggestion
Greetings everyone!
During my time here in this wonderful community, it has come to my attention that we got no rules in place regarding file submissions / new contributions made to the forum.
Most of the submissions submitted have failed to comply with the rules when it comes to supplying a Virustotal scan report. I also noticed that several contributions have some kind of paid url shortening link attached, which in my honest opinion is completely wrong. Members shouldn't have to go through twelve different variants of malware associated with the paid url shortening link service, just to make another user a few cents richer. I also noticed that several contributions have some kind of paid url shortening link attached, which in my honest opinion is completely wrong.
Members shouldn't have to go through twelve different variants of malware associated with the paid url shortening link service, just to make another user a few cents richer.
I have always believed that the aim of technology is to expand our knowledge and clear communication, sending members through spammy links, malware and malicious advertisements is definitely not the right way to go. i'm quite sure you understand my point by now, implementing direct download links would make downloading much easier/faster.
I also believe that making a Virustotal scan report mandatory for each submission would significantly reduce the number of complaints on affected threads and help staff devote their time to more important problems that arise.
Therefore, I'd like to make the suggestion that we implement the following requirements for each new submission made to the site.
- Direct download links to new content submitted.
- Associate every file uploaded with a Virustotal scan report
Furthermore, paid link shorteners pose a significant security risk. For personal security reasons, it makes many users reluctant to download files, and the ability to search the forum becomes significantly harder for the applications you want. Another major issue is that the paid url shortening link may work, however the direct link submitted, for the actual file may be expired. This is likely to cause a small but significant disturbance from the perspective of an end user.
My final argument would be that the paid url shortening links are often flagged / restricted due to network restrictions, that would make it hard for many individuals to obtain the software in question.
RE: Direct download links & Virustotal scan reports - Drako - 06-27-2019
We already push for this, but it doesn't happen about 90% of the time. I had a few ideas, but they got too complicated. We would just have to add a warning somewhere when making a thread.
RE: Direct download links & Virustotal scan reports - Tracefl0w - 06-27-2019
(06-27-2019, 06:25 PM)Drako Wrote: We already push for this, but it doesn't happen about 90% of the time. I had a few ideas, but they got too complicated. We would just have to add a warning somewhere when making a thread.Doesn't matter how much you push, people will still abuse the system and take advantage of the rules if they aren't in place. I assume that explains why it doesn't happen 90% of the time, a warning wouldn't suffice, all it would do is ignore the reality until it hits us right in the face
RE: Direct download links & Virustotal scan reports - OGs - 06-27-2019
On our ban list there has a been a few bans for Infecting members. I would like the directlink idea but that will never surface because new members come and upload programs with not knowing our boards rules.
RE: Direct download links & Virustotal scan reports - Skullmeat - 06-28-2019
As far as I'm aware link shorteners are not allowed.
RE: Direct download links & Virustotal scan reports - mothered - 06-28-2019
I keep reiterating the fact that online virus scan reports must be provided with every file that's personally uploaded and contributed, however for the most part, It tends to fall on deaf ears.
The same with multiple redirection links.
RE: Direct download links & Virustotal scan reports - OGs - 06-28-2019
Ill do my best to keep people aware, Thanks for helping keep us safe mothered.
RE: Direct download links & Virustotal scan reports - Tracefl0w - 07-22-2019
@Oni Any update on the implementation of this suggestion?
RE: Direct download links & Virustotal scan reports - Oni - 07-22-2019
It's funny, because we never actually had a rule about providing virus reports. It's been said many times by members (and even staff), but if you check there actually isn't a rule. That said, I do appreciate people encouraging scans, and I've never interjected when people ask for them. The reason we've been so quiet and hands-off about these things, is because it can easily turn into a "he said, she said" deal. One person says malware, the other says false-positive.
I can add a rule requiring virus scans and I can also add a rule prohibiting redirects/shortlinks. There are a few caveats, though. One problem is that people will (and have) posted fake scans. Another problem is that some content creators will inevitably stop posting (if they rely on redirects/shortlinks). As for an actual plugin/modification to the site, it isn't viable due to how many plugins/modifications we already have.
RE: Direct download links & Virustotal scan reports - mothered - 07-22-2019
You've absolutely nailed It with the following comment. I couldn't agree more.
Quote:Members shouldn't have to go through twelve different variants of malware associated with the paid url shortening link service, just to make another user a few cents richer.