Impersonation Attack
by The Brain (SA) · in ThinkTanks · 12/29/2003 (6:12 am) · 21 replies
Some of you may have seen "me" in the Leopard's Lair server. As I was working on implementing bounceback mines to go with my flamethrower, someone by the name of Will said I was a clone. Upon telling him I was the real Brain he said there was someone called The Brain (SA) in Leopard's Lair. I went to see and There was someone called The Brain (SA). I entered to find out what was going on and ended up with the name The Brain (SA).1 thanks to the impersonator. The impersonator tried to make me look crap by letting the bots take all the kills. He also repeatedly said "I am gay" in an attempt to humiliate me in front of the only witness, Will. He also accused me of being ^ to which I replied that ^ was now Fem[bot]. If you have ANY idea who is doing this then please tell me so I can kick the stuffing out of him/her/it.
#2
I also heard that hes in jail from him, but hes not there. He often talks about
gays, this is the main topic of all his conversations; queer theme is his favourite one.
As I learned not long ago he also hates women. This leads us to simple
conclusion - he's sick. May be some sexual abuse in childhood, may be
he has some physical problems, or just chemical changes in his brain
- doesnt matter. So nobody except good doctor can help him.
All conversations with this guy are meaningless.
12/29/2003 (10:15 am)
Almost anyone have already met that loser. It began more than a month ago.I also heard that hes in jail from him, but hes not there. He often talks about
gays, this is the main topic of all his conversations; queer theme is his favourite one.
As I learned not long ago he also hates women. This leads us to simple
conclusion - he's sick. May be some sexual abuse in childhood, may be
he has some physical problems, or just chemical changes in his brain
- doesnt matter. So nobody except good doctor can help him.
All conversations with this guy are meaningless.
#3
Most of the replies we get from the Company are active criticism of everything we suggest while they passively wait until we find the perfect solution.
2 good ideas have been cited so far:
- mute / ignore option
- Vote off system
I personally think it would be better to just remove the chatting ability of those who have abused of their right to use it. This for a time period to be determined or permanently based on the gravity of the offence.
There's got to be a way to shut these people up, my goodness.
12/29/2003 (10:33 am)
How many posts is it gonna take to have a reaction from Brave Tree to finally address these issues in a meaningful manner ?Most of the replies we get from the Company are active criticism of everything we suggest while they passively wait until we find the perfect solution.
2 good ideas have been cited so far:
- mute / ignore option
- Vote off system
I personally think it would be better to just remove the chatting ability of those who have abused of their right to use it. This for a time period to be determined or permanently based on the gravity of the offence.
There's got to be a way to shut these people up, my goodness.
#4
12/29/2003 (10:48 am)
I Have the same problem. I thought it was a program glitch. I saw my name on a CTF server and when i went in to see i came in as "Who?.1" but i didn't see the imposter. i left then joined another server and two(2) of me droped in but only one(1) name on the list of players. I left there and went to another server and ther i saw four(4) other tanks one(1) which had my name and the other three(3) had the names of the players on my team above them. They weren't moving and I don't think the other players saw them. I think it could be a glitch??? I hope anyway . I don't like the idea of someone posiblely trashing my name in someway, or stealing it because of thier uncreative ability of comming up with a unique name. Rob aka. " Who? "
#5
Then i consault the REAL RVD. He Didint do it, then i saw him and he said "Oh look, an imposter" Then he said he was The "^" Guy! We know ^ would not do this.
12/29/2003 (10:54 am)
I Was playing in a game the other day with killer77 and a few, when RobVanDam (Not the real one) Says "Sup Race, Im going to copy your name!"Then i consault the REAL RVD. He Didint do it, then i saw him and he said "Oh look, an imposter" Then he said he was The "^" Guy! We know ^ would not do this.
#6
When you login to a server, does the client send a packet containing a unique code based on the registration number? I'd have to imagine garage Games put this in place so they can catch piracy from people that distribute their registration. (2 identical codes online simultaneously = piracy in action.)
The main problem I see with this is that there would be some serious growing pains as the clients would have to be updated to access these newer servers. There would be a period where updated servers would see little action.
The other problem is the possibility of a couple jerks getting to the new name database before the "Big Guns" and registering their identities just to be jerks.
TT is not open-source, so this is strictly up to the developers. Any TT developers care to comment?
macr0t0r
12/29/2003 (10:54 am)
Child-Safe filters are pointless with L33t speak. Ther must be 100 ways each to spell each foul insult. What is needed is a way to verify identity. I don't mind a guy holding 20 identities as long as he isn't stealing the identities of respectable players. It would be nice to require reserved identities like in Yahoo or AOL Messenger. The problem is that the solution must be server-based, and not all servers are controlled by Garage Games. You would have to pre-register your identity with each server. The other solution would be a Garage Games hosted identity server that a game server could utilize to get names. Names could be registered by a unique code genereted from a user's registration number.When you login to a server, does the client send a packet containing a unique code based on the registration number? I'd have to imagine garage Games put this in place so they can catch piracy from people that distribute their registration. (2 identical codes online simultaneously = piracy in action.)
The main problem I see with this is that there would be some serious growing pains as the clients would have to be updated to access these newer servers. There would be a period where updated servers would see little action.
The other problem is the possibility of a couple jerks getting to the new name database before the "Big Guns" and registering their identities just to be jerks.
TT is not open-source, so this is strictly up to the developers. Any TT developers care to comment?
macr0t0r
#7
I am the real ^.
As I promised a month or so ago I have chilled out. I continue to see people claiming to be me and talking a lot of trash. Just today I saw some dude accusing #1 Campster (er..I mean Tankster) of being me.
So if you see some chump talking nasty and trashy it is not the real ^.
Happy holidays.
P.S. I know who the guy is that claims to be Alex (SA), but I will keep it secret for now. I am working on a hack to give his server and his computer fits.
12/29/2003 (11:26 am)
In reference to Racer 445's comments:I am the real ^.
As I promised a month or so ago I have chilled out. I continue to see people claiming to be me and talking a lot of trash. Just today I saw some dude accusing #1 Campster (er..I mean Tankster) of being me.
So if you see some chump talking nasty and trashy it is not the real ^.
Happy holidays.
P.S. I know who the guy is that claims to be Alex (SA), but I will keep it secret for now. I am working on a hack to give his server and his computer fits.
#8
The other problem we have is to shut up fouled mouthed players. Can we remove their ability to chat or at least suspend it in accordance with the gravity of the offence ?
12/29/2003 (11:44 am)
Thanks macr0t0r for your valuable input concerning the stolen identities problem. Finally the ball's gonna start rolling hopefully on this one.The other problem we have is to shut up fouled mouthed players. Can we remove their ability to chat or at least suspend it in accordance with the gravity of the offence ?
#9
-- 56k
12/29/2003 (12:29 pm)
Programming takes time. The mute / ignore option is being worked on. It currently doesn't work on the mac. When it is ready I will release it here on the forums. This will be in the near future. -- 56k
#10
Everyone,
Keeps the comments coming, we are listening. Please do not be offended when a suggestion is not accepted because it is not possible for us to implement the suggestion as it is presented.
12/29/2003 (12:42 pm)
Quote:Most of the replies we get from the Company are active criticism of everything we suggest while they passively wait until we find the perfect solution.
Everyone,
Keeps the comments coming, we are listening. Please do not be offended when a suggestion is not accepted because it is not possible for us to implement the suggestion as it is presented.
#11
As a hobbyist developer, I like to see a subject bounced around by the users for a day or two before I start coding. No sense in digging into a feature that the majority of the users shoot down and criticize (voting to kick-user is not too popular, for instance).
Foul language, while infuriating, is more tolderable than identity theft. Unfortunately, the solution to identity theft is extremely hard to implement if you didn't release the game with unique identity capability in the first place. Do you see any possible way to implement unique identities that will be palatable by your distributers and existing servers and clients?
Sadly, I've noticed an increase in identity theft today. Looks like the slime reads the forums for ideas. #1 Tankster had 2 shadows for awhile.
12/29/2003 (2:51 pm)
@Joe & MarkAs a hobbyist developer, I like to see a subject bounced around by the users for a day or two before I start coding. No sense in digging into a feature that the majority of the users shoot down and criticize (voting to kick-user is not too popular, for instance).
Foul language, while infuriating, is more tolderable than identity theft. Unfortunately, the solution to identity theft is extremely hard to implement if you didn't release the game with unique identity capability in the first place. Do you see any possible way to implement unique identities that will be palatable by your distributers and existing servers and clients?
Sadly, I've noticed an increase in identity theft today. Looks like the slime reads the forums for ideas. #1 Tankster had 2 shadows for awhile.
#12
With the different distribution channels and the control we have directly over the servers (lack of acutally), the best we could hope for is name registration. It would not prevent someone from creating the name:
macrOtOr
instead of :
macr0tOr
for example (note that one name uses zeros and one uses a capital o)
so, it may be doable.. but it will be a pain in the butt, and will not really solve the problem entirely.
It is on the list of things we are considering. Note, that due to the nature of ThinkTanks distribution, we may implement extended features lke this over time. Putting in some code to enable future updates, updating the game.... wait until the build propogate. Change the servers over slowly (so no one is left with an incompatible build) and then update again.
We are not ones to jump and implement a feature. We thought through what we were doing when we launched the game, and for better for worse, we made decisions based on the resources it would require to implement them and the game design.
This issue is one where we did not want to force players to register with a name before they even played the game. Much of our audience is not the most computer savvy out there, and asking for information on the first game screen is something that we felt was a bigger issue (as it relates to game sales and people trying the online game) than identity theft.
Identity theft is a problem, we are aware of it, and we will take steps to fix it... btu we are nto going to jump in and fix a problem and create more problems with the fix.
ThinkTanks has been out for a while now (7 months) and this issue is just starting to become a 'problem'.
We know that the game must change and evolve over time. It will, but it will be done in a deliberate fashion. We are not reactionary.
We listen to feedback, we weigh the options, and then we make the decisions.
Not all of the decisions are technical. Right now, I know I spend a lot of time answering forum posts and emails (and not developing). We are a small company, and adding another administrative task to my plate (head-kicker-of-annoying-folk) is not something I really have time for. We need a solution that we can not only implement, but manage properly.
We will slowly, over time, evolve to where we have some trusted Admins and moderators.(PlatnetThinkTanks is the first step in that direction.
12/29/2003 (3:24 pm)
There is some code that is in there that could be used to possibly help with the identity theft problem. ThinkTanks shipped with it but it is not turned on. It is possible that this can be turned on and used, but this would by no means be a trivial thing to do. This issue is not the game itself, it is the combination of servers, distribution channels, reg codes matching... etc...With the different distribution channels and the control we have directly over the servers (lack of acutally), the best we could hope for is name registration. It would not prevent someone from creating the name:
macrOtOr
instead of :
macr0tOr
for example (note that one name uses zeros and one uses a capital o)
so, it may be doable.. but it will be a pain in the butt, and will not really solve the problem entirely.
It is on the list of things we are considering. Note, that due to the nature of ThinkTanks distribution, we may implement extended features lke this over time. Putting in some code to enable future updates, updating the game.... wait until the build propogate. Change the servers over slowly (so no one is left with an incompatible build) and then update again.
We are not ones to jump and implement a feature. We thought through what we were doing when we launched the game, and for better for worse, we made decisions based on the resources it would require to implement them and the game design.
This issue is one where we did not want to force players to register with a name before they even played the game. Much of our audience is not the most computer savvy out there, and asking for information on the first game screen is something that we felt was a bigger issue (as it relates to game sales and people trying the online game) than identity theft.
Identity theft is a problem, we are aware of it, and we will take steps to fix it... btu we are nto going to jump in and fix a problem and create more problems with the fix.
ThinkTanks has been out for a while now (7 months) and this issue is just starting to become a 'problem'.
We know that the game must change and evolve over time. It will, but it will be done in a deliberate fashion. We are not reactionary.
We listen to feedback, we weigh the options, and then we make the decisions.
Not all of the decisions are technical. Right now, I know I spend a lot of time answering forum posts and emails (and not developing). We are a small company, and adding another administrative task to my plate (head-kicker-of-annoying-folk) is not something I really have time for. We need a solution that we can not only implement, but manage properly.
We will slowly, over time, evolve to where we have some trusted Admins and moderators.(PlatnetThinkTanks is the first step in that direction.
#13
Thank You
-Roach
12/29/2003 (3:55 pm)
Thank You for your time JOE.... it is very nice to see that the developers are so involved in the community instead of being "BigHeaded" and leaving the issues alone.....Thank You
-Roach
#14
I have been considering having an IRC chat soon, talk to the developers sort of thing. Would people be interested in that?
Joe
12/29/2003 (3:59 pm)
Yeah, we are not ignoring the forums. We are trying to get some contract work and some additional builds of TT done. We have not forgotten about the community, we just need to keep our heads down and getting some work done to keep the paychecks coming.I have been considering having an IRC chat soon, talk to the developers sort of thing. Would people be interested in that?
Joe
#18
12/29/2003 (9:12 pm)
When would everyone be available for one? Do people prefer moderated or free for all?
#19
-ROACH
"---->R.C.M."
12/29/2003 (10:15 pm)
Im available now!...heh, but i think it should be moderated, Free for all WILL get out of hand....-ROACH
"---->R.C.M."
#20
a. Someone joining a server, getting an error message when loading and forced to disconnect. Usually the person's tank it still in the game and, upon re-entering the server they will find a clone. These clones are stationary.
b. Someone gives themself the same player name as another player and, should the original enter the same server as the imposter, the original will have .1 added to their name. This type of clone acts like a normal player.
Depending on the order they enter the server in, the type B clone and original player could be either (to use the name Bob as an example) Bob or Bob.1 . To tell the difference the clone is usually foul-mouthed or confused.
12/30/2003 (1:08 am)
OK. Let's get this straight. For those that don't know, "clones" are created when two people with the same name enter the same server. This can be triggered by one of 2 things:a. Someone joining a server, getting an error message when loading and forced to disconnect. Usually the person's tank it still in the game and, upon re-entering the server they will find a clone. These clones are stationary.
b. Someone gives themself the same player name as another player and, should the original enter the same server as the imposter, the original will have .1 added to their name. This type of clone acts like a normal player.
Depending on the order they enter the server in, the type B clone and original player could be either (to use the name Bob as an example) Bob or Bob.1 . To tell the difference the clone is usually foul-mouthed or confused.
TankGirl
I witnessed the lowlife scoundrel at work last night too. I have Many screenshots of his game chat.
OF NOTE: THIS GUY IS ONE OF US...HE IS PART OF THE COMMUNITY. He reads all of the forums, he knows inside stories about the players, he is a really good player when he chooses to be (I think he often dumbs-down his abilities to cloak himself). He has communicated with Joe, he knows more than most about the game history. He is well educated (at least his spelling and sentence structure is really good) and he clearly plays a lot. He CHOOSES to be an ass, it is not his only option.
This time he used the impersonated name Alex(SA). We played a few games until ROACH entered the game. Roach immediately know that this was not the real Alex, then when the idiot was confronted by Roach, he left the game and came back as Dark Angel. The real DA is the sister of ROACH. this lowlife spent the entire game taunting ROACH with posts about he and his sister having sex.
I eventually got the guy to talk to me.
Whether true or not, he eventually told me that he is in jail and is using his hour of computer time to play the game. After asking him why he treats people so poorly, he said he is a sociopath. He was saying many many horrible things to me and ROACH. He said that he likes to make people angry because it is fun to watch them flame out. When I asked what is missing in his life that he feels the need to show this kind of behaviour, the left the game.
Right after he left, TheBrain appeared...if that was you brain, sorry for our odd behavior, we thought it was the idiot again coming in as you.
@ the unnamed loser....because I know you are reading this, I take great satisfaction in knowing that when you (as Alex) and I were playing one-on-one, I outscored you two games in a row despite a really good effort on your part.
TG