Privacy and security
What is visible, and how to protect yourself.
Operators only. This section is for IRC operators.
What others can see
- Your nickname, and the name you gave when you connected.
- A hostname ending in
.crorginstead of your real address, because addresses are hidden. - Which rooms you are in, unless the room is secret or private.
- Whether you are away, and your away message.
What stays private
- Your password. Services keep it so they can check it, and it is never shown.
- Private messages, which only go to the person you send them to.
- Your memos.
Protect yourself
- Register your nickname with a password you use nowhere else.
- Use SSL/TLS (port 6697) in an IRC client. The Web Chat is always encrypted.
- Identify before doing anything in rooms that require it.
- Be careful with anyone who asks for your password or asks you to run a command you do not understand. Network staff and services never need your password in a message.
- Do not click links from people you do not know.
Reporting a problem
Tell a room operator. For a problem a room cannot solve, ask for a network operator in the room or write to the contact address shown by /admin.
More in Guides and tutorials
- Keyboard shortcutsKeys in the Web Chat and in this Help Center.
- Frequently asked questionsQuick answers.
- What is not availableFeatures that are not offered, so you do not look for them.
- Product guide: all featuresEverything ConferenceRooms.org does, in one list.
- Tutorial: your first dayA guided walk from your first message to a registered nickname.
- Tutorial: run a community roomOpen to everyone, with rules, helpers and a calm atmosphere.
- Tutorial: a private team roomOnly your team gets in.
- Tutorial: a help desk roomVisitors ask, a few people answer.