When managing a community channel on AustNet, maintaining secure operator status and proper access control lists (ACLs) is vital. Because IRC networks operate on decentralized real-time protocols, AustNet does not artificially force channel ownership reversals or takeovers unless verified evidence proves a malicious security breach or unauthorized services exploit.
If you believe your established channel has been taken over inappropriately or compromised by bad actors, here is how you should handle the situation.
1. Gather Your Evidence
Before reaching out to network operators for assistance, you must be able to prove your legitimate historical ownership or administration of the channel. Staff will not alter channel permissions based on verbal claims alone. Gather as much of the following documentation as possible:
- Registration Proof: Evidence that your account registered the channel via ChanOP (
ChanServ), including your account name and registration details. - Log Excerpts: Clean chat logs or screenshots showing the unauthorized removal of your operator status or changes to channel access lists.
- Timestamps: Approximate dates and times when the takeover occurred, along with the nicknames of the accounts involved.
2. Contact Network Staff in #help
Do not attempt to engage in a public flame war, counter-takeover script war, or channel flooding campaign, as this violates network policy and can result in penalties for your own account.
- How to reach staff: Join the official assistance channel by typing:
Plaintext
- Open a Support Ticket: Explain the situation calmly to the available network operators or helpers. Present your evidence of prior registration and ask if an administrative review or channel freeze can be applied while the security issue is investigated.
3. Preventive Best Practices
To protect your channels from unauthorized access in the future:
- Secure Your Nickname: Always keep your primary account registered and secured with NickOP.
- Audit ChanOP Access Lists: Regularly review who has
+o(operator) or high founder flags (+A/+a) in your channel's ChanOP access list. - Never Share Passwords: Never share your NickOP password or give co-founder access to untrusted users.