Using SSL on koach.com

[Koach]

What is SSL and should I use it?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. When used with mIRC, it creates a secure (encrypted) connection between your computer and the Koach.com chat servers.

You might ask, why bother? Is it really worth using SSL? Well, that's up to you. Without using SSL, anything you type is sent to and from the chat servers as clear text. Therefore, it's possible, although not very likely, that someone could peek at anything you type, including your passwords.

So, since it is so easy to set up and use SSL with the newer versions of mIRC, why not use it? But, if your chat client does not support SSL, or you just don't feel like using it, you should not worry. You'll still be safe chatting on Koach.com.

How to set up mIRC

First, check to make sure your version of mIRC supports SSL. There are several ways to do this, but perhaps the easiest is to open the mIRC help file (F1) and type in SSL. If there is information about SSL in the mIRC files, you can set up an SSL connection. If there is not, then you need to upgrade your version of mIRC to use SSL.

Next, you must install OpenSSL and copy some DLLs to your mirc folder.

Installing OpenSSL

Go to this site and download the lastest version of OpenSSL:

http://www.slproweb.com/products/Win32OpenSSL.html

I downloaded and installed Win32 OpenSSL v0.9.8k Light

Run the downloaded file:

Win32OpenSSL_Light-0_9_8k.exe

You may get a message that says:

"The Win32 OpenSSL Installation Project has detected that the following critical component is missing:

Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributables

Win32 OpenSSL will not function properly without this component.

It is recommended that you install the missing component before clicking "OK" to continue."

If so, click Cancel and download and install the C++ redistributables from here:

http://www.microsoft.com/DOWNLOADS/details.aspx?FamilyID=9b2da534-3e03-4391-8a4d -074b9f2bc1bf&displaylang=en

I did not have to reboot after installing it.

Then, install OpenSSL again.

The default install directory is C:\OpenSSL

I'd recommend using that folder, so that the rest of these instructions are easy to follow.

During the OpenSSL installation process, make sure that the option to Copy OpenSSL DLLs to The Windows system directory is checked.

If you receive a message that one or more of the DLLs can not be copied to the Windows system directory, make sure that mIRC is closed, and click the Retry button. If all else fails, you can reboot your computer after the install and the DLLs will be copied then.

At the end of the installation process, you will be asked if you want to make a donation. If you do wish to make a donation, check the appropriate box. If you do NOT wish to make a donation, uncheck ALL boxes.

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Next, copy these two files from C:\OpenSSL to your mIRC folder:

libeay32.dll

ssleay32.dll

Then, when you restart mIRC, SSL will be enabled.

Next, to connect using mIRC to koach.com using SSL type:

/server irc.koach.com +6697

or, if you want to open a new server window:

/server -m irc.koach.com +6697

Note: normal IRC ports will remain 6667 and 7000.

There are several ways to test if you have successfully opened a SSL connection.

1. You can WHOIS yourself. If you are using a SSL connection, one of the lines returned from the server will say: Your_Nick is using a Secure Connection

Example:

/whois koach

Koach is using a Secure Connection

2. Another way to test is to type //echo $ssl

If the response it $true you have a secure connection. If the response is $false, you do not.

Please post any questions you have here.

[Koach]

mIRC.com has a great web page that explains how to install and use SSL.

 

You can find it here:

 

http://www.mirc.com/ssl.html

[Crysta]

Thank You!

[DashRiprock]

Thanks Koach!