Yes I totally understand the need for security, but I'm like Lucky it is kind of scary to send personal information via the internet. That is why I don't use my real name. However, I don't mind giving my real name to anthony, but sending bank cards and stuff really freaks me out.

I'm not really hiding from anybody. My husband isn't controlling or super nosey and I have participated in real-life group therapy where everyone knew my real name. Of course it was confidential. The thought of someone finding my story on the internet and recognizing it is me and then reading about my inner-most thoughts is quite frightening though. I tend to write more than I would ever verbalize.

I'm sure it will all work out.

Your welcome Lucky....

That is already covered in the legal policy which the barrister included for that reason, because I have no choice if I am legally ordered to hand over specific information about a member that could be contained in a private area, however; saying that, firstly such things are not handed out so easily about private medical (mental health) information, secondly, the person would have to be verified first for me to hand it over, or proof of such verification has occurred before I could legally hand such over.

It is catered, though I doubt would occur unless someone left their computer login open for another to view in the first place to even know what was contained in such an area. Security and privacy doesn't just stop with me, it includes the members who have such access to ensure they maintain their security end of things, being to log out after their session and ensure they are securely logged out if using a public computer or non-secure system, ie. work.

I should highlight though especially to new members, your already not hidden from me. I see all your personal information, your ISP, I can trace you anywhere, i can see if you use any manipulative techniques, etc.... so whilst you do have anonymity from members and the public, you don't really do so from myself. You would be quite shocked what I can see and what digital footprint you leave behind in coming to this forum, any forum, surfing the Internet period.

End of the day though, all members will still have the choice of either participating publicly in all those existing forums, or providing what set security standards are employed to gain access to private areas. You are not forced to provide such details, you simply will never have access to a private area here to hide your information from the public eye. People cannot have it all ways... in that I just cannot guarantee I have done everything possibe to protect the private data in private areas without the implementation of strict security measures.

Trauma Members diary is an example, being it is hidden from the public and search engines, but all you need to do is register to view the content. That is not secure, it just isn't as public, but still available by registering as a member. The private groups require manual authenticated access to view the forum and information, hence no registered member can see it unless they have gone through the same security measures. Currently those measures are my ability to view a persons information for legitimacy.... then make a decision based on my life experience. It would still be at play that way with extra security measures, have no doubt, but further verification IMHO is required.

I upgraded to a dedicated server with higher security... so hardware is more secure than most hosted sites already. A professional hacker though could get through it without much pain.... but those people are few in the world and have better things to do than hack Internet forums.

Gee, Anthony, you sure put a lot of time and energy into all this. I know nothing about computer technology. Other forums have required my real name and contact info. Of course, they were forums that did not contain such personal information as this. You knowing my identity is absolutely not an issue with me. Hell, if you're in the area; stop by for coffee.

All I can say is.....work your magic....I'm sure it will be fine.

IMO, the more security, the better. I keep getting mini-panic attacks just thinking about the possibility of someone I know finding the stuff I've written in this forum. (Or an even worse senario: one of my students!) I know that there are already securities in place, so my fear is (for the most part) unfounded. BUT, if there are ways to make this forum even more secure, even if that means me giving more personal information to Anthony/other administrators, then I would welcome it.

DITTO!

Cindy

I am very happy that Anthony has upgraded and has made the forum more secure. We say some very personal things in here, so the more secure, the better, and the more calm I am.

Maybe the private areas should require a small fee be paid for access, that way you have a paypal trail. Pay Pal has contact with banks and the banks already have all sorts of unpleasant procedures to handle fraud with...

I know it wouldn't solve the greater problems, but what about an addition that someone must have been an active member for a year or so here, and have made enough posts to be eligible to apply for the private access? Similar to the system you have with moderation that is for starting to post in the public area. This is for private access. Sure, it would keep some people who might otherwise benefit from posting about things they don't want public from being able to do that for a while, but overall I'd imagine a lot less impact from something like this than if you required the whole scheme. Retina scan and blood sample for access next?

I mean, implement a system to actively test users credibility in advance to any private area access. One with enough time to observe and expose deceitful users. More time for all sorts of things that would catch the fakers. And in the end, its already you right to refuse anyone access. Just my opinion but try making it much harder to gain access first, and if problems remain then think about the other things.

Wow... not been here for a while... not sure what's going on, but I'm glad that any steps being taken towards more security are being taken. If you feel that this is necessary, then it's for a reason. I'm all for it. I'd be happy to send you details of who I am and whatnot, I have nothing to hide. I certainly don't want anyone reading my private posts if there is cause to believe private areas need to be more stringently protected.

It's ironic. My privacy was invaded the other week actually. Two people who I know got into my bedroom and onto my laptop and had a snoop about... It's not nice, and the damage both psychologically and otherwise can be huge. So I'm glad to read this thread actually.

Anyway... hope whatever the problem is gets sorted soon, Anthony.

I think that is one thing on the top of my mind also Lisa.... in that people who have nothing to hide often don't have any issue providing such verification as long as they know or have some legal assurance that protects that verification process. I have never had an issue providing such documents online, and have had to do so with certain things, like even getting a server you must prove your identity, even though you pay for it, you must prove who you are so they can decrease fraudulent activity upon the web now. Sure, there are still some countries where you can go be as fraudulent as you like, but the majority of western society countries now require such verification for these exact reasons.... to prove you are who you say you are because the web otherwise allows you to be very anonymous.