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Home / Glossary / IRC
Glossary · Protocol

IRC

Internet Relay Chat

In plain language

An old text chat system where people talk in channels, still used by hobby groups and sometimes by malware to receive instructions.

The metaphor

Like a CB radio channel: anyone who tunes in can talk, and it is hard to know who is listening.

Going deeper

How it works

  • Servers host channels and users connect with a chat client.
  • It is open and has no built-in security.
  • Attackers have used it to send commands to infected computers.
  • Few businesses have any reason to use it.

How WILDCARD handles it

Network covers the firewall that can block this kind of traffic.

In practice
  • An open-source project keeps a support channel on it.
  • A firewall report shows chat traffic from an office computer.
  • A security scan lists the port as open.

A question owners ask

Should anyone in my office be using it?

Rarely. If a firewall report shows it from an office computer, check that computer.

Where WILDCARD handles this
Network
  • Firewall managed and monitored
  • Switches kept current
  • On-prem Active Directory auth
Start with Network
Related terms
ACLAccess Control ListAHAuthentication HeaderAPAccess PointARPAddress Resolution ProtocolBPDUBridge Protocol Data UnitCCMPCounter Mode/CBC-MAC ProtocolCCTVClosed-circuit TelevisionCHAPChallenge Handshake Authentication Protocol

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