Until recently (i.e. today) I was using a password protected, private IRC server /enforced/ by a router firewall, iptables on the server computer, and specially crafted /etc/hosts.allow file to talk to a certain person over the internet, and for some reason I find that not enough.
The IRC server is ngircd. I'm looking for a secure alternative (encryption capabilities are a must) -- either a different IRC server or simply a different protocol. OpenSSH must not be involved.
Any suggestions? (p.s. the other end is using Windows)
What would Bob use?