In an effort to mitigate against spambots and weak passwords (especially from old and dormant accounts), we've decided to implement two-factor authentication on the SpongeBuddy Mania forums. The set-up process should be automatic and straightforward, and is built in to our bulletin board (forum) software. If you're reading this you have likely already set it up. You can utilize your email (the one registered to your account) OR an authentication app on your smartphone (if you have one), and you can generate and download backup codes as well, if you like.
Staff members have had this security feature enabled for years. It is a minor inconvenience, I'll grant you, but you have the option to trust your device for up to a month. You'll forget it's around except for these occasional reminders.
We'll continue to evaluate other methods for counteracting spam, but for the time being we're implementing two-factor verification. Even if spam were not a concern, users with weak passwords could conceivable have their accounts hacked for other purposes. In this day and age, two-factor is generally a security default for most websites.
Thanks for your support in keeping SBM clean and fun for all!
