AudlemOnline blocked mystery

We have had several reports recently from readers who have been finding it difficult to access AudlemOnline because when they try to connect to the site, they get a message indicating that the site is blocked as being dangerous as a source of malware or phishing (see below for a brief definition of these terms).

We have also found that people trying to set up links to AudlemOnline from Facebook screens also fail for the same reason.

On investigation these sites all have one common factor – they use Trend Micro software as a protection layer between themselves and the internet world, and it is the Trend Micro filter which is giving rise to these reports.

Needless to say, AudlemOnline has never and will never while it is under our control be a source of malware or phishing. So we contacted Trend Micro and they have reclassified the site as "safe" so these connections should be able to be made without any problems.

The question remains – who suggested to Trend Micro that the AudlemOnline site is dangerous in the first place? Who have we worried by carrying campaigns and comment about plans that might adversely affect the village? Surely an innocent village website could not have offended anybody in a position of power or with the nous to have us classified as "dangerous". Surely not?

Those readers of a nervous disposition should read no further...

Malware

Malware, short for malicious software, is software used or programmed by attackers to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems. Malware includes computer viruses, ransomware, worms, trojan horses, rootkits, keyloggers, dialers, spyware, adware, malicious BHOs, rogue security software and other malicious programs; the majority of active malware threats are usually worms or trojans rather than viruses.

Phishing

Phishing is the act of attempting to acquire information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details (and sometimes, indirectly, money) by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Phishing emails may contain links to websites that are infected with malware.
Phishing is typically carried out by email spoofing or instant messaging, and it often directs users to enter details at a fake website whose look and feel are almost identical to the legitimate one.

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