If it's okay with Rick, the version number can be placed back into the link title (shown with mouseover, as in 7.1) by using the following in the footer template:

Code
<a href="https://www.ubbcentral.com/" target="_blank" title="{$VERSION}">Powered by UBB.threads&trade;</a>

It's not, of course, foolproof, but it could help?

GangsterBB.NET (Ver. 7.6.1.1)
PHP Version 8.1.34 / MySQL 5.7.23-23 / Apache 2.4.67
2007 Content Rulez Contest - Hon Mention
UBB.classic 6.7.2 - RIP