A newly documented Linux botnet named SSHStalker is using the IRC (Internet Relay Chat) communication protocol for command-and-control (C2) operations.
The protocol was invented in 1988, and its adoption peaked during the 1990s, becoming the main text-based instant messaging solution for group and private communication.
Technical communities still appreciate it for its implementation simplicity, interoperability, low bandwidth requirements, and no need for a GUI.





