Instant Messaging security guide
There are dozens of instant messengers on the web providing usefull functions in communicating with others, but also providing a nice gateway for spammers, hackers and spreaders of other malware. Users running windows XP may have noticed the popup of alarming messages telling you 'your computer is it risk', out of the blue. This is so-called windows messenger spam you can go here to disable the windows messenger and read why you can disable it.
Allright, as I said, a messenger program is nice, but there is some risk involved, 'risks' include, but are not limited to:
- Spim (instant messenger spam)
- Filetransfer (infected files)
- Links in messages sites containing malicious scripts
The most popular messengers are, in order of useage:
- AIM/AOL
- Skype (no tutorial necessary, though requests for one are welcome)
- MSN
- Yahoo
- Jabber (no tutorial necessary, though requests for one are welcome)
- QQ (no tutorial necessary, though requests for one are welcome)
- Gadu-Gadu
- ICQ
Click on one of the links above to read more about specific security risks and advice to increase your security. Below are some general tips to increase your security when using an IM program:
- Always make sure you are using the latest version of your messenger
- Enable contact verification (you get a request when someone wants to add you)
- Enable, when available, the privacy option (only receive messages from people on your contactlist)
- Don't click links people send you
- Don't open files, containing one of the following extensions: bat, cmd, chm, com, exe, pif, reg, scr, vbs
- When you do download one of the above files, don't open them, but save them to your desktop and scan them using your virusscanner
- Don't tell anyone personal data, like your phonenumber
- Don't create a public profile including everything about yourself