Optimal setup of Sentinel

Worker Joined: Feb 06, 2004 Posts: 147

I have installed Sentinel RC4 (about to upgrade to RC5) on my site. For most functions I enabled "Block and e-mail" (Harvesters, Unions, etc...). Well, few people from my job got the Sentinel Block display (permanent Block cause: Harvester) by trying to access my site. Is there an optimal setup that will reduce false-positives? I want the security features, yet I want all genuines users to access my site. Also, where does Sentinel reads the date from ? (My displayed date is incorrect).

Thanks for such a great product !
dcasmr

Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 11:42 pm

One way you can do it is just select "email" for Harvester, and then you can decide if they are malicious or not. I think that the availability of all the different choices allows you to soften the blow, or put the hammer down. A very nice option, indeed. After you have installed RC5, there is even more choices available to you.

Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 8:26 am

dcasmr, Sentinel pulls the date using the time() php command. This will be the server time so it may appear different to your local time.

On my site I have the Harvest Blocker set to block an ip for 3 days. That way someone using a harvester gets a second chance after that 3 day block out period. On the Union, Clike, Filter, Author, and Script blockers I have it set to permentant. And on the Referer blocker I just have it forward to a not so nice site Smile

Sharlein is correct, each blocker can be set to any one of 7 responses so you can tailor it to your site's needs and your comfort level.

Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 5:27 pm

Bob and Sharlene: Thanks for the great feedback ! Sentinel had already saved me from hackers. I am seeing some blocked IPs already for "Union". This product is highly effective.

dcasmr