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. The SSHStalker botnet relies on classic IRC mechanics such as multiple C-based bots and multi-server/channel redundancy instead of modern C2 frameworks, prioritizing resilience, scale, and low cost over stealth and technical novelty. According to researchers at threat intelligence company Flare, this approach extends to other…