Episode #746
May 20, 2023
The iMentor Hints and Rants blog has become inundated with spam comments from foreign countries.
Luckily I have editing and approval privileges over the comments that are submitted. I can label the comment “spam” or simply trash an undesirable one. The comments don’t go live until I approve them. I receive a dozen foreign spam comment submissions every week. The most common country is Russia.
These Russian comments are not always political. Most are links to the dark web for illegal software or pharmaceuticals.
Recently one comment linked to a crypto trading company, Gate.io. The .io domain name is in the Chagos Islands of the British Indian Territory. Gate.io is actually one of the oldest Chinese cryptocurrency exchanges. Even though Gate.io is based in the U.S., U.S. citizens cannot use the service. While it remains popular Gate.io has frozen some of their client’s assets.
Some comments, however, are legitimate advertisements for businesses such as a cooking supplies store.
This comment was submitted last week:
Наш сайт о кулинарии – это место, где вы найдете множество рецептов, советов и идей для приготовления вкусной и разнообразной пищи. Мы постоянно добавляем новые рецепты и предлагаем возможность общаться с другими участниками сайта. Наши материалы помогут вам улучшить свои кулинарные навыки и наслаждаться приготовлением и употреблением пищи.
It translates to this:
Our cooking site is the place where you will find many recipes, tips and ideas for preparing delicious and varied food. We are constantly adding new recipes and offer the opportunity to chat with other members of the site. Our materials will help you improve your culinary skills and enjoy cooking and eating.
It is baffling to me why a Russian cooking store would want to advertise on a California website.
Some of these seemingly legitimate websites are spoofed URLs that direct you to illegitimate websites.
There are many other kinds of attacks which occur regularly. 300 or so IP addresses are blocked every week.
Each week two or three actual hacking attempts are blocked by my WordPress security software.
This one came from the United Kingdom:
A user with IP address 20.108.171.180 has been locked out from signing in or using the password recovery form for the following reason: Exceeded the maximum number of login failures which is: 20. The last username they tried to sign in with was: ‘admin’.
The duration of the lockout is 4 hours.
User IP: 20.108.171.180 User hostname: 20.108.171.180
User location: London, United Kingdom
For all my regular readers I encourage you to make comments in each episode. If you enjoy the blog share your joy with my other readers. Share your similar experiences. Your comment must, however, have something to do with the episode. I don’t like SPAM, never have. I will approve your from the heart comments and I will not edit them without your permission.
Comments help to create greater impact and add to the blog’s entertainment value. Also, I learn from your feedback. Your comments make me a better writer.
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I have to admit, I have not seen that version of the spam, spam, bacon, and spam from Monty Python. I do enjoy their silly humor.
I do enjoy your thoughtful web blog. I read them all keep them coming.
I have to admit the only Spam I like is the kind that come in a metal can.
Anything else gos in the trashcan. Keep on blogging
Yes, definitely keep on blogging. I enjoy your blog and your sense of humor.
My blog has two posts about the kinds of spam it receives. And the spam emails coming from the contact form. Still I learned from your post here. I’m leery of following any link someone is trying to trick me into following. Thanks, Rick. Safe travels.
Its good that you are in the computer business and can easily spot this stuff
SPAM is garbage. Your insights are not! Keep ’em coming. 😉