Protecting Yourself

• /mode your_nickname +R - Prevent unregistered nicknames from private messaging you.
• /mode your_nickname +D - Prevent anyone from private messaging you.
• /mode your_nickname +c - Block messages and notices from users outside your shared channels.

• /mode your_nickname +V - Blocks all invites from other users.
• /mode your_nickname +T - Prevents users from sending all types of CTCPs to your client.
• /mode your_nickname +z - Prevents messages from being sent to or received from a user that is not connected using TLS (SSL).

• /ignore nickname - Ignore all messages from the specified user.
• /silence nickname - Silence all messages and notifications from the specified user.

• Register Your Nickname: Always register your nickname with a strong password to prevent others from impersonating you on the network. This ensures your identity is secure.

• Use Secure Passwords: Choose a password that’s unique and difficult to guess. Avoid using common words or phrases, and include a mix of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

• Enable SSL Encryption: Connect to the IRC server using SSL (Secure Socket Layer) whenever possible. This ensures your communication is encrypted, protecting it from eavesdropping or tampering.

• Limit Personal Information: Avoid sharing personal information such as your real name, address, or phone number in public or private channels. Be cautious about what you disclose to others.

• Mask Your IP Address: Use an IRC bouncer (BNC) or connect via Tor to hide your real IP address, making it harder for malicious users to trace your location or launch attacks against you.

• Utilize Cloaking or Hostmasking: Many IRC networks allow you to cloak or mask your real hostname or IP address with a virtual one, which prevents other users from seeing your actual location or internet service provider details.

• Beware of Suspicious Links: Do not click on links from unknown or untrusted sources. These could lead to malicious websites designed to steal your data or infect your system with malware.

• Avoid Untrusted Downloads: Be cautious about downloading files from users or channels you do not know. Always verify the source before downloading anything.

• Keep Your IRC Client Updated: Ensure that your IRC client is always updated to the latest version. Regular updates often include security patches that protect you from newly discovered vulnerabilities.

• Manage Your User Modes: Set your user modes appropriately (e.g., +i for "invisible") to prevent unwanted users from seeing your activity or presence on the network.

• Report Abuse or Harassment: If you encounter any form of abuse, harassment, or suspicious behavior, report it to the network administrators or IRCops immediately. Most networks have mechanisms in place to handle such issues.

If you’ve tried the above tips but are still encountering issues, follow these steps:

1. Gather Evidence:

   Take screenshots or record incidents where you face harassment, abuse, or suspicious behavior. Ensure you capture relevant details such as usernames, timestamps, and chat logs.

2. Report the Issue:

   Submit your evidence along with a detailed description of the incident to abuse@hybridirc.com.

   - Our support team will review your case and take appropriate action.