We're setting up a Tor-based IRC server for /ourguys/ at the moment. Tor is an anonymization protocol that bounces your connection across multiple computers before getting to the final site. It is relatively secure when used properly (as far as we know) and has the main benefit that it cannot be easily censored. Websites hosted on the Tor network are called hidden services and to get to them you go through double the bounces. So--in theory--neither the user nor the server knows anything about where the other is.
IRC is one of the oldest internet-based chat protocols. It is text-only (with the capability of file transfers) and the same network can be spread across many different servers. If one goes down, the other will pick up the slack.
The reason I feel this is important is that, while Telegram has been relatively welcoming to our guys, there's always the possibility that this will end abruptly and totally for one reason or another. We need to have a backup setup BEFORE that happens in order to continue the good work we're doing, and continue with the alliances and friendships we've made. If we wait until it happens, it will be too late and highly difficult to reorganize.
IRC Clients:
If you use Windows, I recommend mIRC
If you use Linux, I reccomend weechat
If you use Mac, Limechat or Textual among others
How to get TOR:
https://www.torproject.orgDownload Tor Browser, then run it. To test that it's working, go to the following site:
http://3g2upl4pq6kufc4m.onionThat should take you to DuckDuckGo's TOR-based search page.
How to use TOR with your IRC client:
Tor browser creates a proxy service on your local computer which you then need to setup your IRC client (and anything else you want to route through Tor) to use. The default is:
Proxy Type: SOCKS5
IP: 127.0.0.1
Port: 9150
No username or password
Once you have Tor Browser running and your proxy settings on your IRC client setup, you will be able to connect to the IRC server with its associated .onion address.
I will be providing this shortly
Stay tuned
