Assessing the Attack Threat due to IRC Channels

TitleAssessing the Attack Threat due to IRC Channels
Publication TypeConference Papers
Year of Publication2006
AuthorsMeyer R, Cukier M
Date Published2006/06//
Keywordsattack threat assessment, channel activity, client-server systems, computer crime, intrusion-resilient channels, IRC channels, IRC protocols, Protocols, telecommunication channels, telecommunication security
Abstract

This practical experience report presents the results of an investigation into the threat of attacks associated with the chat medium IRC. A combination of simulated users (i.e., bots), some configured with scripts that simulated conversations, and regular users were used. The average number of attacks per day a user on IRC can expect, the effect of channel activity, gender based on the name, and network type on the number of attacks were determined. The social structure of IRC channels and the types of users that use it were analyzed. The results indicate that attacks through IRC channels come from human users selecting targets rather than automated scripts targeting every user in a channel

DOI10.1109/DSN.2006.12