Security Online

All instant messengers are different, and offer different security options. If possible, set it to not accept files automatically. In fact, unless accepting files is a necessary part of your job, don’t accept files from anyone. As mentioned earlier, even if you know the person sending the file or the picture, you do not know how secure their system is. If you cannot choose to disallow all files and pictures, make sure that you scan any files you receive through the messenger with your virus scan before you open them up.

Even if you do accept files from people that you know, make sure that you do not accept files that you were not expecting. That other person’s instant messenger login may have been hijacked, and the hijacker could be sending a virus to everyone on the contact list. Make sure that you only accept files after discussing it with the person first, and ensuring that it really is your buddy that you are talking to.

Block anyone who is not on your contact list. The Internet may be a great way to meet new people, but you shouldn’t do it through instant messages. Most instant messengers give you the option of not receiving messages from anyone who is not on your contact list.

Do not allow your instant messenger to automatically log on when your computer starts, and do not allow it to memorize your password or username for you. It may be a little more trouble, but start the program yourself, and type in your login information each time. Also, make sure that you are using the most up-to-date version of the messenger.

Make sure that your anti-virus software is set up to scan all incoming files. Many anti virus programs can be set to scan files that arrive through specific instant messengers.