PUBLIC-NOTICES: Forum Changes/Fixes. Any Questions?

[qumqats]

Chrome 58.0.3029.110, can't view the forums because of a NET::ERR_SSL_PINNED_KEY_NOT_IN_CERT_CHAIN error
it = ? what did you delete before you restarted Chrome?

[TheCotMan]

Chrome 58.0.3029.110, can't view the forums because of a NET::ERR_SSL_PINNED_KEY_NOT_IN_CERT_CHAIN error
it = ? what did you delete before you restarted Chrome?

For pinning errors since cert upgrades for Chrome, FireFox, Safari, etc:

* https://linux-audit.com/deleting-out...ns-in-firefox/
* https://linux-audit.com/delete-a-hst...pin-in-chrome/
* http://classically.me/blogs/how-clea...major-browsers

And some cross-over in this:
* https://www.thesslstore.com/blog/cle...hrome-firefox/

Procedures for purging old pinning and HSTS/HPKP and pins for several browsers.

Please report what works and what does not.

[qumqats]

For pinning errors since cert upgrades for Chrome, FireFox, Safari, etc:

* https://linux-audit.com/deleting-out...ns-in-firefox/
* https://linux-audit.com/delete-a-hst...pin-in-chrome/
* https://www.thesslstore.com/blog/cle...hrome-firefox/

And some cross-over in this:
* https://www.thesslstore.com/blog/cle...hrome-firefox/

Procedures for purging old pinning and HSTS/HPKP and pins for several browsers.

Please report what works and what does not.

Thank you for the response
I followed the instructions in the second link to delete the HSTS key pin for the forum.defcon.org and defcon.org domains and it is now working! :)

[TheCotMan]

Thank you for the response
I followed the instructions in the second link to delete the HSTS key pin for the forum.defcon.org and defcon.org domains and it is now working! :)

Thanks for the feedback!
-Cot

[The Dark Tangent]

You might have noticed that the forums slowed down a couple weeks ago, that's because the main server failed on reboot and couldn't locate its own BIOS. We switched to a backup system that is noticeable slower and that's what we are running on now.

Lucky for us the new hardware has arrived and I'm configuring it this week and hope to be able to switch the forums over on Friday. It should be even faster than the server that failed, just in time for last minute con planning.

We'll keep everyone informed. Wish us luck!

DT

[TheCotMan]

You might have noticed that the forums slowed down a couple weeks ago, that's because the main server failed on reboot and couldn't locate its own BIOS. We switched to a backup system that is noticeable slower and that's what we are running on now.

Lucky for us the new hardware has arrived and I'm configuring it this week and hope to be able to switch the forums over on Friday. It should be even faster than the server that failed, just in time for last minute con planning.

We'll keep everyone informed. Wish us luck!

DT

I noticed the slowdown, today after doing some upgrades. Usually, I run a check of the DB after significant upgrades, but the slower hardware caused a timeout to falsely complain of DB troubles because it took too long to complete!

Yeah, the other hardware was faster. Looking forward to the new.

In other news, completed more maintenance on the forums. Down time was like 2 periods lasting less than 30 seconds over 5 minutes, and the rest of the time was kicking the tires and realizing the forums do not have tires.

Please report problems since upgrade here, and if unable, then to forum mail: defconforums@gmail.com

Thanks!
-Cot

[The Dark Tangent]

Forums updated, you may see bugs or new features. Please post your questions or problems here. Thanks!

[VideoPod]

Thank's DT! Anything in particular you want us to check out?

[The Dark Tangent]

Usually when things go wrong it's with posting, or not being able to delete something. If anything acts up just post here, or if posting doesn't work email or twitter @defcon

[The Dark Tangent]

SERVER HARDWARE UPGRADE ANNOUNCEMENT:

On Tuesday I'll swap servers and expect we'll be down for a few hours. The new server should be much faster and will replace the "emergency" server we had to switch to right before DEF CON 25.

This is all part of a migration of the forums that will be happening over the next few months.

- New hardware
- Updated software and O/S

Then I'll start a re-vamping of the layout of the forums to simplify things. I'll start a forum thread on that and invite everyone to comment, but the gist of it is this:
People are using the forums less as they use other social media more. The one thing the forums does well is help organizers of contests and events have a central place to make announcements, and it is a central place for con organizers to point people to for updates and conversations. The other aspects of the forums don't get that active. So with that in mind how do we change the flow of the forums to mae it easy for people to find a contest or event, learn about it, and get involved? How to make participation easier? That's what we will be building towards.

First, though, is hardware and software updates. :-)

[The Dark Tangent]

We are back up, but will be recompiling to match the new hardware, etc. So expect a bumpy ride for a few days. Let us know if you experience any strange issues beyond not being reachable. Thanks!

[The Dark Tangent]

This weekend Cot and I are working on recompiling and updating some software, and there may be some ups and downs. Once the software is up to date and happy I'll start working on some basic design changes and exploring some design options.