Block of Outbound IRC

12/08/2004

Due to a growing incidence of compromised computer systems and virus infections that are using the IRC (Internet Relay Chat) protocol, outbound IRC traffic will be blocked at the campus border beginning at 5:00 p.m. today. This is to limit the control of these compromised systems by attackers, and to prevent them from being used in DoS (Denial of Service) attacks, transferring of confidential information, etc. The network outage on Monday afternoon that affected much of campus was caused by a DoS attack from approximately 50 machines, many of which were compromised in this manner.

This block will NOT impact the usage of instant messaging tools such as AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ, Yahoo or MSN Messenger., WebCT or InsideND chat features. Those tools will continue to work.

At this time we do not have any specific knowledge regarding the volume of legitimate IRC usage on campus. If you currently use IRC and assigned work is impeded by this action, please contact the OIT Help Desk (574-631-8111 or oithelp@nd.edu) and describe your usage so that we can suggest alternatives and/or analyze possible adjustments to this block.