Added:

• "Nicknames" component has been renamed to "Nickname".
• The configuration for the pattern module in the Nickname component now includes a Regex string.
• The Startup mode in the Inspector component has been modified due to incompatibility with other components.
• Lockdown mode has been updated to activate only when the specified number of connections in the configuration matches the current connections during attack mode. This approach enhances security by ensuring that the system is only locked down under specific conditions, making it more effective.
• We have added a new module to the Inspector component called FirstJoin. This module automatically detects if a player is joining for the first time and, if so, kicks them immediately. This helps to effectively identify and prevent slow bot attacks by monitoring new player connections.
• The enabling and disabling of the Startup mode in the configuration has been reworked for improved functionality.
• The nickname length module has been implemented, requiring nicknames to be between 4 and 16 characters long. This setting can be customized in the configuration for greater flexibility.

Fixed:

• Resolved the conflict between the Inspector and Lockdown components.
• Fixed the update availability check module.

Added:

• Some parts of the Watcher component code have been modified for easier verification.
• We have successfully integrated a new function for the Watcher component called Strict mode. This function is disabled in the default configuration, but you can enable it if necessary.
• A second behavioral analysis layout for Strict mode has been added to the configuration, which needs to be used when this mode is enabled.

Fixed:

• The issue of duplicate messages regarding IP address blocking when using IPTables has been resolved.

WE ARE BACK WITH A BANG! INTRODUCING THE HUGE UPDATE!

Enhancements:

• Comprehensive Watcher Update: The Watcher component now boasts two additional layers of protection, allowing for even more meticulous monitoring of player behavior.
• Improved Detection Systems: With the introduction of new Watcher functions, our non-signature VPN and PROXY detection systems have been significantly enhanced.
• Expanded Nickname Blacklist: The default configuration for bots now includes a broader array of nicknames for the blacklist.
• Nickname Pattern Check: A new pattern-checking feature has been implemented for the nickname component.
• Smart Log Filtering: Our intelligent log filter now excludes InitialHandler messages, which are associated with a specific type of exploit.
• Automated IP Blocking: We now utilize IPSet for blocking IP addresses, eliminating the need for manual configuration—this will be set up automatically.
• Enhanced Debugging Information: Additional details have been incorporated into debug messages for improved clarity.
• Whitelist Management: If a player on the whitelist is detected for issues such as IPLimit, they will be promptly removed from the whitelist.
• Revamped Watcher Component: The Watcher has been recoded for enhanced performance and intelligence, featuring new algorithms for superior bot identification.
• Updated Default Messages: The default messages in the configuration have been revised for better communication.
• Optimized IP Download Speed: The speed of downloading IP addresses from the Cloud has been adjusted to accommodate servers with lower capabilities (you can configure it in the configuration).
• Resource Protection: To safeguard your server's resources, BotShield will now only add non-existing IP addresses to the database.
• Verification Symbol Display: A symbol indicating successful verification has been added to the configuration.
• Startup Mode Update: Now, if you want to disable startup mode completely, you can set the value to false.
• Improved RateLimiter Component: RateLimiter now works better than later, ping attack protection was improved.
• Additionally, we recorded a new video showcasing the latest version of our anti-bot — check it out here:

Fixes:

• Resolved Interrupted Exception during server shutdown.
• Corrected the display count for MitigatedIPs.
• Fixed issues with the IPLimit whitelist.
• Addressed the /botshield firewall add command, which previously kicked the sender.
• Recoded various sections of the code that were causing bugs.
• Fixed IP addresses did not unblock properly.

Important Notice: We urge you to install this update as soon as possible, as it includes critical enhancements to your protection system. We strongly advise against using older versions. Our dedicated efforts have significantly bolstered the protection framework for your servers, enhancing non-signature protection, IPTables integration (now automatically configured using IPSet), and the Watcher component, which plays a vital role in the verification process.
As always, BotShield remains the premier choice for the anti-bot protection!

Fixed:

• Interrupted Exception on server disabling.

Added:

• Now, the IP address that pings the server will be automatically blocked if it is in the Cloud or Proxy list.
• Now, the IP address that pings the server belongs to the specific country that is in the blacklist, it will be automatically blocked.
• All messages in the configuration have been changed.

These changes improve the protection system a lot. Connections that are suspicious will be automatically blocked if they try to reach the server.

Added:

• New advanced algorithms. Now the Inspector has an advanced component called Watcher that will check player's behavior. It can also stop players with VPN or PROXY using non-signature protection preventing systems.
• Strange player component has been renamed to Proxy.
• Blocked component has been renamed to Firewall.
• Ratelimiter component now works differently, using new algorithms to check players' connections.
• Players who previously tried to join the server when it was under attack must pass the verification anyway, even when the server is not under attack now.
• Some messages in the logs have been changed.
• More comments to the configuration.

Fixed:

• IPLimit does not work properly.
• IPLimit does not detect players with alt accounts if they passed the verification.
• The display of the number of pings in the statistics.
• The display of the kick messages from the components.

WARNING:

• You have to reset your previous config.yml before using this version.
  

Added:

• Updated cloud system protection. Now it works better than later.
• About 13 millions malicious IP addresses are now in our database.

Removed:

• Strange IPs placeholder is no longer accessible.

Added:

• We are glad to announce you that we have added a new component to our protection system. It is country component. So, now you can deny login from specific countries if you want (for example, we have blocked countries with the largest amount of botnets).
  
• Performance IPtables integration improvements.
• A new advanced check on player join (it was added for additional protection if the bots can pass the main one).
• A new advanced cloud system (we will often add malicious IP addresses there or at your request).

WARNING:

• You have to reset config.yml before using this version. Just delete the plugin folder and it will load new configuration automatically.