IRC and Security

Security on the Internet is often discussed with negative connotations. Should you be concerned about it while using IRC? Yes! If you're not careful, IRC is a serious risk, personally and to your computer. However, if you're willing to use some common sense, IRC is not only fun, but relatively safe. Like anything else on the net, safety cannot be absolutely guaranteed. I'm not saying that you can't protect yourself, but for any security precaution on the Internet, there is someone who wants to find a loophole. With a little preparation, you can make that loophole harder to find, even on a Windows machine, especially since most of the actual "attacks" on IRC are run by scripts and bots, not actual people.

**If someone can use a search engine, they can find a way to infiltrate an unprotected system very easily. The following links are provided only for information purposes to serve as examples of what you may encounter on IRC and the Internet:
http://webm43ac.ntx.net/Zines/fotf2.txt
http://security.tsu.ru/info/misc/harmless/gtmhh/begin1.html
http://www.osh.ramat-gan.k12.il/subjects/english/hacking.htm
http://www.astalavista.com/archive/IRC/IRCHack.txt
http://www.warf.eu.org/irchack.html
Being Familiar with what is out there can help you. I could speak of the cliché "The more you know…" but I think you get the point**

Some thoughts on protection for IRC use:
-Configure your IRC client to protect your anonymity, you do NOT have to use your real name for any aspect of the Internet. Make sure it is really worth it to you before you allow your real name to be used for any purpose.

-Never give out any personal information, a general rule of thumb for the Internet

-Use a gender-neutral nickname, harassment towards females is more common, but males sometimes experience it as well.

-Do not accept any DCC protocols from anyone you don't know, file transfers or chats

-Do not use auto accept for files. And NEVER accept .exe files. If someone you actually trust wants to send you an executable file, have them zip the file first, with a program such as winzip (available at http://www.winzip.com). Make sure you scan all files with an anti-virus software program before you open them, regardless of the file extension.

-If you can, run a firewall! ZoneAlarm offers a free firewall for personal use (available at http://www.zonealarm.com)

-If you are under 18, I would recommend discussing your activities on the Internet with your parents or another trusted adult. I know, I know, you don't want your parents interfering in your life, but while the anonymity of IRC can protect you, it can also mask the identity of criminals. "Trust no one" isn't just an X-Files motto.