16 replies to this topic

[Florisjuh]

IRC stands for "Internet Relay Chat", it's basicly the largest way to communicate with each other using the internet, it's also a lot older as programs / services like AIM and MSN Messenger.
An IRC server is a computer where IRC channels are hosted, IRC channels are some sort of chat rooms.
IRC is used widely by organisations and clans all over the world

A Take-Over basicly means taking over / stealing someone else's IRC channel, IRC channels are free to create but once you get lot's of users "idling" (Sitting in your channel) you don't want your channel to get stolen from you, because your channel probably got popular, people hang out on it have fun chatting and stuff, or maybe it's your corperate IRC where you need to give official support, it would look very bad if people where making fun of you in your own chat room heh?

People take over other IRC channels because it gives them a feeling of control, taking over IRC channels is done by a lot of little script kiddy's who found a random guide on the internet and decided to try it out. There are exceptions tho.

So how to protect against these takeovers? There are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Never make someone Operator on request, even if he has a nickname of a regular Operator. If you know any kind of other way to contact the person do that, otherwise the person might be someone posing as the guy.
2. Protect your channel with IRC bots, but only official IRC bots (On Dalnet Chanserv, on Quakenet Q or L)
3. Upgrade your IRC software to the newest version, tell your Operator team to upgrade to the newest version of the software as well.
4. Never use untrusted programs you found on a dark corner of the internet, there might be keyloggers inside.

[catfish]

The usual applies: don't be stupid, don't give out your pass, don't put your pass as a start-up script. (for q on quakenet, for example.) odds are it won't be encrypted, don't dl any viruses, etc.

Basically, make sure no one can get ops that you can't personally vouch for. at least not without a failsafe.

[amhso]

it takes a dummie or a badly moderated channel to get taken over. just like computers. if you have a well protected firewall and hardware firewall and whatever, of course your chances of getting hacked go down.

[icemarle]

True. Our IRC channel has worrying about being taken over at the end of our lists. We're too busy with our lives and getting people to idle around our channel... We haven't done a scanlation release in months... Anyway, we have an a server op with us, so I don't think we're gonna be at risk for now anyway.

[unicornrose]

There are ways to protect yourself from take overs. You can kick people who are too idle. You can also created auto oping. But you make sure that your auto ops are using registered nick's .......You should be using difficult passwords with letters and numbers. You should not be able to op anyone who does not have a registered nickhame. If someone has earned the right to be an operator you should make sure you have their current email address and remind them to keep you updated on it. Also make sure you know their other im handles. Its a good idea to have differant passwords for you differant handles and email addresses too. If they get one they may get them all. Having an account of any time hyjacked is a horrible feeling.

[sportytalk]

I have to agree with all of the posts on this page to some extent. As long as you use the irc system you own or work on sensibly, without downloading plugins or additions which you don't know, then there should be know real reason why you shouldn't have your irc server logged into.

It's best to not even half op people who ask for the extra power. Some people may be power mad and just want to cause havoc of the server, especially if they hate it or have a competing chat service. You may also want to use the +m moderation mode if someone is deliberately chatting, taking over your chat room by the means of spam intending to upset your users.

Basically, be careful what you do and there's no reason why your room won't be successful!

[smartbei]

I am surprised that IRC is still alive. After all, it is a much more cumbersome product than the newer free IM programs. What are its advantages?

[Kioku]

I'd have to agree about one thing, though. Alot of these safety tips are just common sense. Something alot of people seem to lack in this day and age.

[TripleH13]

yea i agree IRC can even be alot more complicated than msn and other chat programs. I really prefer msn over IRC

[PeaceofMind]

I hate how IRC you gotta pay for it...I think...but anyway IRC is better in its own way compared to these days msn and iam.