Port 6665IRC
Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a pioneering real-time text messaging protocol designed for group and private communication across the internet. Primarily used for group chat rooms, private messaging, and file sharing, IRC has shaped the foundation of online communication platforms since its inception in the late 1980s..
- transport
- tcp
- in transit
- cleartext
- assignment
- official
- risk
- 4/10
- lookups
- 10,538
single transport
payload readable on path
registered with iana
caution
rank 416 of 993 · top 42%
Technical Details
what runs on :6665Internet Relay Chat (IRC) operates using a client-server model where users connect to IRC servers via specialized software clients, enabling participation in public channels or private conversations. Servers are interconnected, forming an IRC network that propagates messages efficiently between users globally. Port 6665 is one of several default ports commonly used by IRC servers – 6660 to 6669 being traditional choices.
IRC's architecture emphasizes simplicity, employing a plaintext command syntax facilitating server and client interoperability. Users authenticate with nicknames and can join multiple channels simultaneously. Server software manages user connections, message routing, channel moderation, and network-wide events.
Since IRC typically uses unencrypted communication over TCP, messages, nicknames, and other data are transmitted in plaintext unless protective measures like SSL/TLS on alternate ports are configured. The protocol also supports extensions and scripting, enabling enhanced functionality and automation within client software.
Security Information
exposure of :6665risk score
4/ 10caution
worth attention. how exposed you are depends on configuration — don't leave it reachable from the internet without a reason.
network services averages 3.9 across 604 ports — this one sits 0.1 above.
in transit
cleartext
credentials and payloads are readable by anyone on path
assignment
official
registered with iana for this service — scanners fingerprint it by number
reachable over
tcp
every listening transport is another surface to filter at the edge
security overview
Common vulnerabilities with IRC include:
- Open relay risks, where misconfigured servers allow abuse for spam or botnet C&C communication
- Unencrypted traffic interception, enabling eavesdropping and credential theft
- Exploitation of weak authentication or social engineering for hijacking user accounts
- Flood and DoS attacks targeting servers or channels
- Spread of malicious files or links within chat channels
Mitigations involve:
- Enforcing encrypted connections via SSL/TLS
- Employing strong nickname and channel authentication mechanisms such as NickServ and ChanServ
- Implementing server-side flood and spam controls to limit abuse
- Regularly updating server and client software to remediate vulnerabilities
- Proper server configurations to avoid open relays and limit channel abuse
- Educating users on social engineering risks and safe communication practices
Related Ports
the 8 most looked-up other ports in network services — 604 ports carry that label.
| port | service | risk | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| :9080 | Groove RPC | TCPUDP | Web Services | caution | 70.8k |
| :6543 | Jetnet | UDP | Network Services | caution | 65.3k |
| :5938 | TeamViewer | TCPUDP | Remote Access | caution | 65.0k |
| :8291 | Winbox MikroTik Admin | TCP | Security | caution | 62.9k |
| :3233 | WhiskerControl Protocol | TCPUDP | Network Services | caution | 61.9k |
| :3268 | Microsoft Global Catalog (GC) | TCPUDP | Security | caution | 54.6k |
| :135 | Microsoft EPMAP | TCPUDP | Security | caution | 51.9k |
| :3128 | Tatsoft Default HTTP Proxy | TCP | Web Services | caution | 46.8k |
risk mix of the 8 listed
- caution100%
0 of 8 encrypted