Hello, phpBB is not safe because it's a open source project. I remember there was a script that make threads as .html's not sure exactly where. This is what this forum did. Some of my forums got hacked which had over 1,000 members, which was very disappointing. I recommend you to stay with vBulletin or IPB because they are great forum software and updated when needed. It's like saying you get what you paid for.

i'm not sure it being open source has much to do with it. vbulletin has had many security issues in the past so has ipb. all forum software has had its security related problems unfortunately it is just the nature of the game.

I am a moderator on a phpbb forum and it seems pretty secure. However, the admin is careful and does invest money in the forum to keep it secure.

I think being hacked is more of an issue with your host, not the script you run with your host.  Use a reliable host like hostmonster.com. The biggest problem I found was autobots registering to my forum by the hundreds.  After running two forums, I figured out the best ways to fight this spam, and now I have zero spambot registrations.

1) Most spammers find your site through google by searching the copyright at the bottom of your page.  Do not delete the copyright, but change some of the words around in the credits.  For instance, instead of "written by", change it to "coded by" and stuff like that.   This will help stop spammers from finding you in the first place.

2) Ban usernames with typical adult language or prescription meds. Dont forget to enclose it with astericks: *word* .  This makes sure that the word it not used anywhere in the word.

3) Ban email addresses that end in common spambot email addresses.  One that pops into mind with me is .ru, but whatever is attacking your specific forum, ban it.  There is a mod that makes this very easy and more effective

4) Download these three mods.  These three mods and the above tips completely protected me:
http://www.phpbb.com/mods/db/index.php?i=misc&mode=display&contrib_id=1751
http://www.phpbb.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=373695
http://www.phpbb.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=390401

5) If  you need more mods, there are plenty here:
http://www.phpbb.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=427852

I think there was a bit of dumbness in my decisions of first liking phpbb 2.  You see, I set up a free forum at my fast forum dot org, I fell in love with that forum software.  Here is the part I did not know!! The admin that hosted these free forums was very keen on modding the forum code and it was a most excellent experience for all of us admins running our boards as subdomains on his site.

BUT, when you go someplace else, take phpbb2 out of the box and put it on your own site.  It's just so.... UN modded . And all the cool features you were accustomed to are not included without doing a lot of work.  Very tedious and confusing task for newborns


Yes, I totally agree, if you are willing to pay for code, by all means do it.  I really used to like IPB Invision Power Board. BUT, now, the profiles are unappealing to me. I'm not sure how much you can change these on the Admin side.

I have been impressed with the cool functions of VB vBulletin code, however, the overall appearance seems bulgey/heavy/bloated.


At this point, I do not like the new phpbb 3! (that opinion may change in time, of course)


MYBB is looking good!


To end this, I will say I am using phpbb 2 with an upcoming project and I will modify it with my favorite codes.

Sorry for long winded post!