====== Using OTR (Off-The-Record) for Encrypted IRC Chat ======

OTR (Off-the-Record) messaging is a cryptographic protocol that provides end-to-end encryption, authentication, deniability, and perfect forward secrecy for instant messaging conversations. Implementing OTR on IRC ensures that private communications remain confidential and secure.

===== What is OTR? =====

OTR enhances IRC private messages by:

  * **Encryption:** Ensures that messages cannot be read by unauthorized parties.
  * **Authentication:** Confirms the identity of the communicating parties.
  * **Deniability:** Prevents third parties from proving the content of the conversation.
  * **Perfect Forward Secrecy:** Protects past communications even if long-term keys are compromised in the future.

For a comprehensive understanding of OTR, refer to the [[https://otr.cypherpunks.ca/|OTR official website]].

===== Supported IRC Clients =====

Several IRC clients support OTR, either natively or through plugins:

  * **HexChat:** Supports OTR via plugins.
  * **Irssi:** Supports OTR through the irssi-plugin-otr.
  * **WeeChat:** Supports OTR via the python-potr plugin.
  * **Pidgin:** Supports OTR through the pidgin-otr plugin.

For a detailed comparison of IRC clients and their features, visit the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_IRC_clients|Comparison of IRC clients]] page.



===== Authenticating Contacts =====

OTR provides several methods to authenticate contacts:

  * **Question and Answer:** Ask a question that only your contact can answer.
  * **Shared Secret:** Share a secret passphrase with your contact.
  * **Manual Fingerprint Verification:** Compare the OTR fingerprints of both parties.

For detailed instructions on authentication methods, refer to the [[https://profanity-im.github.io/guide/070/otr.html|Off-the-Record Messaging guide]].

===== Best Practices =====

  * **Verify Fingerprints:** Always verify the OTR fingerprints of your contacts to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.
  * **Use Strong Passphrases:** Ensure that your passphrases are strong and unique.
  * **Regularly Update Software:** Keep your IRC client and OTR plugins up to date to benefit from security patches.
  * **Be Cautious of Logs:** Some clients may log OTR conversations; ensure logging is disabled if privacy is a concern.

===== Additional Resources =====

  * [[https://otr.cypherpunks.ca/|OTR Official Website]]
  * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Off-the-record_messaging|OTR Wikipedia Page]]
  * [[https://profanity-im.github.io/guide/070/otr.html|Off-the-Record Messaging Guide]]