full-disclosure - Why is IRC still around?

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From: security at brvenik.com (Jason)
Subject: Why is IRC still around?

Unfortunately IRC is not the problem. Removing IRC will cause the 
systems that use it to leverage another control channel. The people that 
abuse it will use another forum...

The problem is that systems exist that can be mass exploited and used to 
coordinate attacks and that there are people happy to exploit those systems.

You can use any of the following to coordinate the same attacks:
- a web page
- ping
- DNS
- newsgroups
- ftp
- AIM
- Jabber
- P2P
- Email
- blog
...


Danny wrote:
> Well, it sure does help the anti-virus (anti-malware) and security
> consulting business, but besides that... is it not safe to say that:
> 
> 1) A hell of a lot of viruses/worms/trojans use IRC to wreck further havoc?
> 2) A considerable amount of "script kiddies" originate and grow through IRC?
> 3) A wee bit of software piracy occurs?
> 4) That many organized DoS attacks through PC zombies are initiated through IRC?
> 5) The anonymity of the whole thing helps to foster all the illegal
> and malicious activity that occurs?
> The list goes on and on...
> 
> Sorry to offend those that use IRC legitimately (LOL - find something
> else to chat with your buddies), but why the hell are we not pushing
> to sunset IRC?
> 
> What would IT be like today without IRC (or the like)? Am I narrow
> minded to say that it would be a much safer place?
> 
> ...D
> 
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