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back to article Freenode IRC users told to change passwords after securo-breach

A security breach at popular, free and open source software-focused IRC network Freenode means users need to change their passwords. Freenode's IRC server was compromised and passwords were likely sniffed by unidentified hackers, prompting a warning to users that they should reset their passwords as a precaution. The security …

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  1. Joe Drunk
    Windows

    IRC Still around?

    I though only malware writers used it as command & control centers for their crap.

    0 8 Reply
    1. Charlie Clark Silver badge
      Reply Icon

      Re: IRC Still around?

      It's the tool of choice for quick answers to lots of software questions. #python #postgresql

      2 0 Reply
  2. WraithCadmus
    Joke

    Great

    Now I need to change my password to 'hunter3'.

    2 0 Reply
    1. VinceH
      Reply Icon
      Joke

      Re: Great

      No - play cunning, and instead of increasing it by one, go for a half, and make it hunter2.5 - that'll fool 'em.

      0 0 Reply
  3. garden-snail
    Meh

    Sniffing

    Sounds like a server was compromised in a way that allowed the attack to sniff NickServ passwords while in transit. Are we to assume that the database itself was not compromised?

    I only ask since - like everyone else - I haven't logged in to an IRC server in about 10 years.

    0 1 Reply
    1. Joe Drunk
      Reply Icon

      Re: Sniffing

      It's been about a decade for me too. 80K users? more like 2K actual humans and the rest bots.

      0 3 Reply
      1. Oninoshiko
        Reply Icon

        Re: Sniffing

        "nickserve traffic" is the same as all the other traffic. You really shouldn't depend on it being encrypted.

        freenode has a higher user/bot ratio then most IRC servers because of the target audience.

        0 0 Reply
  4. batfastad

    IRC

    If you don't use IRC then you or your employer is using the wrong software. Or you're just a lowly 3rd line M$ peon, lol smily face

    0 0 Reply

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