Port 6667 (IRC)
TCPInternet Relay Chat — IRC listens on port 6667 by default.
What is Port 6667?
Port 6667 is the most commonly used port for IRC (Internet Relay Chat), despite port 194 being the official IANA assignment. IRC is a text-based communication protocol used for real-time group discussions and private messaging.
IRC on port 6667 connects clients to IRC servers where they join channels for group conversations. The protocol supports features like user modes, channel operators, and bot automation. Major IRC networks include Libera.Chat, OFTC, and EFnet.
IRC on port 6667 is unencrypted, allowing traffic interception. Use IRC over TLS on port 6697 for secure communication. IRC bots and botnets have historically used port 6667 for command-and-control communication, which may trigger security alerts on some networks.
Port 6667 Security
IRC on port 6667 should be secured with appropriate access controls and monitoring. Ensure the service is only accessible from trusted networks by configuring firewall rules to restrict access. If the protocol supports encryption, enable TLS/SSL to protect data in transit.
Regularly update IRC to the latest version to patch known vulnerabilities. Monitor port 6667 for unauthorized access attempts and implement rate limiting where possible. Follow the principle of least privilege when configuring access permissions.
How to Check Port 6667
To check if port 6667 is open on a remote host, use nmap: 'nmap -p 6667 hostname'. For a quick TCP connection test, use: 'telnet hostname 6667' or 'nc -zv hostname 6667'. On Windows PowerShell, use: 'Test-NetConnection -ComputerName hostname -Port 6667'.
To check if port 6667 is listening on your local machine, use: 'netstat -tlnp | grep 6667' on Linux, or 'ss -tlnp | grep 6667'. On Windows, use: 'netstat -an | findstr 6667'. For a comprehensive scan, use: 'nmap -sV -p 6667 hostname' to detect the service version running on the port.
Related Ports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is port 6667 used for?
Port 6667 is the default port for Internet Relay Chat (IRC). It is used for irc communication using the TCP protocol.
Is port 6667 TCP or UDP?
Port 6667 uses TCP. TCP is used because irc requires reliable, ordered data delivery.
Should port 6667 be open?
Port 6667 should only be open if you are actively running IRC. Close unused ports to reduce your attack surface. If needed, restrict access to trusted IP addresses using firewall rules.
How do I check if port 6667 is open?
Use 'nmap -p 6667 hostname' to scan remotely, or 'netstat -tlnp | grep 6667' to check locally on Linux. On Windows, use 'Test-NetConnection -Port 6667 hostname' in PowerShell.
How do I secure port 6667?
Secure port 6667 by restricting access with firewall rules, using encryption (TLS/SSL) where supported, keeping IRC updated, using strong authentication, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts.
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