More Glitches in the ATS Matrix

[ArMaP]

I don't think it's just about sending emails, but maybe using the same server as a jump point for further nefarious activities. For example, an attacker could use a compromised system to run a service like BNC to reflect their traffic and anonymize their connections to a third party.

That makes more sense, but I still find it strange that they blocked admin access, as that would be a red flag for any active administrator.
Unless they chose sites that weren't updated for a long time, as those were more likely to have been forgotten or abandoned by their administrators. Sites that keep a most recent posts/answers/etc with the date are an easy target for that.

---

And speaking of updating servers, that's exactly right; they are only updated with admin intervention.  If there's no admins able to access the system at ATS it become more vulnerable as each day passes.  Sad to see really.  I wish this wasn't the case.

I suppose that depends.
I am an administrator for another forum and we never had to do any server updates, as those are done by the hosting company, we only had to keep the forum software updated. As far as I know that's how most cheaper sites, hosted on shared hardware, are updated.
In the case of ATS, if it has specific, unshared servers, it's more likely all the administration falls on the ATS admin's hands.