>> They need some Kitz style super-defences
I'm not shouting out loud or saying too much in public for obvious reasons, but the spam element has caused a few problems here too. It was only a couple of weeks ago that we too were experiencing a frenzied spam bot attack that was coming it at the rate of thousands per day.
I put something different in place, and I do have various levels of defence which keeps it at bay, but it is a constant battle. As I think TD has only recently become very aware of is what does get through is negligible to what is attempted. It is a constant war and something that needs to be kept on top of. :/
The mysql connect error implies the server coming under load and a measure put in place to stop bot attempts bringing the server to its knees... but in the meantime it also stops valid users being able to access too.
Again I dont want to say too much as it could just be a co-incidence and probably isnt related, but this weekend we've been busy behind the scenes too.
Yesterday the whole site moved over to a shiny brand new 4 x quad core
i7 server. I didnt have time to post about it or give any warnings as it was done in a bit of a rush in order to avoid a problem becoming more serious... but huge thanks to my hosts for helping make it seamless as far as the general public are concerned. The upshoot is we are now on what is probably one of the fastest servers available.
In this game you have to have your eye on the ball all the time and can never afford to become complacent.