Can't Connect to IRC

[evan1234]

When I try to join the IRC channel, I receive the following messages:

[10:27] -freenode-connect- Due to the persistent ongoing spam, all new connections are being set +R (block messages from unidentified users) and will be scanned for vulnerabilities. This will not harm your computer, and vulnerable hosts will be notified.
[10:27] freenode-connect [frigg@freenode/utility-bot/frigg] requested CTCP VERSION from evan1234:
[10:28] == ##crawl Cannot join channel (+r) - you need to be identified with services

I'm not sure what I need to do, I don't understand IRC well and googling hasn't revealed much

[Siegurt]

When I try to join the IRC channel, I receive the following messages:

[10:27] -freenode-connect- Due to the persistent ongoing spam, all new connections are being set +R (block messages from unidentified users) and will be scanned for vulnerabilities. This will not harm your computer, and vulnerable hosts will be notified.
[10:27] freenode-connect [frigg@freenode/utility-bot/frigg] requested CTCP VERSION from evan1234:
[10:28] == ##crawl Cannot join channel (+r) - you need to be identified with services

I'm not sure what I need to do, I don't understand IRC well and googling hasn't revealed much

You need to register the user name with nickserv (google nickserv)

[advil]

Instructions here.

Channels on freenode being +r to keep spambots out is the new normal, I'm afraid.

[evan1234]

Thanks everyone!