BetterDesk/docs/DEPRECATION_NOTICE.md

⚠️ Deprecation Notice

Ban Enforcer (Python Daemon) - DEPRECATED

Effective Date: January 5, 2026
Version: 1.2.0

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Status: OBSOLETE

The Python-based ban_enforcer.py daemon has been replaced by native HBBS ban checking as of version 1.2.0.

What Changed?

Old System (v1.1.0):

• External Python daemon running every 2 seconds
• Cleared UUID/PK of banned devices
• ~95% effectiveness due to race conditions
• Required systemd service management
• Additional process overhead

New System (v1.2.0):

• Native ban check integrated into HBBS server
• Checks is_banned during device registration
• 100% effectiveness - no race conditions
• No external processes needed
• Minimal performance impact (~1ms per check)

Migration Guide

If you're using Ban Enforcer from v1.1.0:

1. Install Patched HBBS Binary

   cd hbbs-patch
   ./build.sh
   sudo ./install.sh
   

2. Stop Ban Enforcer Service

   sudo systemctl stop rustdesk-ban-enforcer
   sudo systemctl disable rustdesk-ban-enforcer
   

3. Verify Ban Functionality

   • Ban a test device through web console
   • Try to connect from that device
   • Connection should be rejected with "UUID mismatch" error

4. Remove Service (Optional)

   sudo rm /etc/systemd/system/rustdesk-ban-enforcer.service
   sudo systemctl daemon-reload
   

Why Keep the Files?

The Ban Enforcer code remains in the repository for:

• Reference: Understanding the evolution of the ban system
• Rollback: Emergency fallback if needed
• Educational: Learning how external enforcement worked
• Historical: Documenting the project's development

Recommendation

Do NOT use Ban Enforcer for new installations. Always use the native HBBS ban check (v1.2.0+).

For existing users: Migrate to the native system at your earliest convenience for improved reliability and performance.

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Files Affected

These files are now deprecated but kept for reference:

• ban_enforcer.py - Python daemon script
• install_ban_enforcer.sh - Installation script
• rustdesk-ban-enforcer.service - Systemd service file
• BAN_ENFORCER.md - Documentation
• BAN_ENFORCER_TEST.md - Testing guide

Support

Ban Enforcer will NOT receive:

• Bug fixes
• Security updates
• Feature enhancements
• Compatibility updates

All future development focuses on the native HBBS ban check system.

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For questions or issues, please refer to:

• Native ban system: hbbs-patch/BAN_CHECK_PATCH.md
• Quick setup: hbbs-patch/QUICKSTART.md
• General issues: GitHub Issues