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Set Up a Hidden IRC Chat Server with Tor + irssi + InspIRCd

Prerequisites

To begin, update your system and install the required tools:

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sudo apt update
sudo apt install inspircd tor irssi

Optional GUI client (if using desktop):

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sudo apt install hexchat

Configure InspIRCd

Edit the main configuration file:

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sudo nano /etc/inspircd/inspircd.conf

Also create or update the MOTD (Message of the Day):

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sudo nano /etc/inspircd/inspircd.motd

Test IRC on Localhost

Start the IRC server:

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sudo service inspircd start

Launch irssi client:

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irssi
/connect localhost

Set Up Tor Hidden Service

Locate Tor:

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whereis tor

Edit the Tor config:

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sudo nano /etc/tor/torrc

Find and comment/remove any existing HiddenServicePort related to port 80:

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# HiddenServicePort 80 127.0.0.1:80

Then add your IRC hidden service like this:

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HiddenServiceDir /var/lib/tor/hidden_service/
HiddenServicePort 6667 127.0.0.1:6667

Save and run Tor:

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sudo tor

Get your onion address:

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sudo cat /var/lib/tor/hidden_service/hostname

To stop Tor:

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pidof tor
sudo kill <PID>

Connect to IRC over Tor with HexChat (GUI)

  1. Launch HexChat:
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hexchat
  1. Add a new network:
    • Networks > +Add
    • Enter your .onion hostname and port 6667
    • Click Edit > add server and then connect
  2. Go to:
    • Settings > Preferences > Network Setup
    • Set proxy server to: 127.0.0.1:9050 and choose SOCKS5
    • Save and connect

Basic IRC Commands in irssi

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irssi
/set nick WhiteDevil
/connect localhost
/join #devils

To connect to a public IRC network like DALnet or LiberaChat:

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/connect DALnet
/nick BlackDevil
/join #devils

Temporary File & Code Sharing


Example Setup on LiberaChat

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irssi
/set nick F$ecu3it¥
/connect liberaChat
/join #Da3kA3my

To quit:

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/quit

Official irssi New User Guide


Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. Do not use IRC + Tor for illegal or unethical activities. Always stay within the law.

This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.