Protecting Yourself

Stay Safe Online

Protecting Yourself

While every effort is made to maintain a safe online experience for everyone, it's important to take measures to protect yourself. Here are some steps you can follow:

Set user modes (umodes): Use umodes to prevent unwanted messages.
  • /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).
Syntax: /mode your_nickname +Rc - Prevent unregistered nicknames from private messaging you and block messages from users outside your shared channels.
Ignore users: Utilize the ignore feature to completely ignore a user.
  • /ignore nickname - Ignore all messages from the specified user.
  • /silence nickname - Silence all messages and notifications from the specified user.
Syntax: /silence Shayne - Ignore all messages and notifications from the user named "Shayne".
Use an IRC client: Consider using an IRC client for more control and additional features, such as saving ignores, user modes, nickname passwords, and more.

Tips for Protecting Yourself Online

  • Be cautious about sharing personal information, such as your full name, address, phone number, or financial details, with strangers online.
  • Create random nicknames and avoid using your real name, location, or age to maintain anonymity.
  • Exercise caution when clicking on links or downloading attachments, especially from unknown or suspicious sources, as they may contain malware or phishing attempts.
  • Think twice before sharing sensitive or compromising photos or videos of yourself online, as they can be used against you or shared without your consent.
  • Be skeptical of unsolicited requests for money or personal information, even if they come from someone you know. Verify their legitimacy through other means.
  • Educate yourself about common online scams and tactics used by cybercriminals to avoid falling victim to their schemes.
  • Trust your instincts and remain mindful of your online interactions. If something feels off or too good to be true, it's better to err on the side of caution.

Final Steps

If you've tried the above tips and are still facing difficulties online, here are some steps you can take:

  • Gather evidence: Capture screenshots or recordings of the incidents.
  • Report the issue: Send your evidence and a detailed account of the incidents to abuse@hybridirc.com.