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10 tips for safer instant messaging
Instant messaging (commonly
referred to as IM) is a method of online communication similar to
e-mail, except that it is generally faster. Using an IM program
such as Windows Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, or Yahoo
Messenger, you can type the message you want to send and the
person you send it to can see it almost immediately. When your
friend types a response, you see that right away as well.
Sometimes people refer to instant
message conversations as "chatting," but chatting and IM are not
the same. IM involves a conversation between two people, while
chatting is a conversation in an Internet "chat room." See
Tips for safer chatting
for more information.
Use IM more safely
Communicating by using an IM
program has some of the same security and privacy risks as
e-mail,
but there are a few unique dangers that you should be aware of. |
1. |
Be careful when creating a
screen name. Each IM program asks you to create a screen
name, which is similar to an e-mail address. Your screen name
should not provide or allude to personal information. For
example, use a nickname such as SoccerFan instead of
BaltimoreJenny. | |
2. |
Create a barrier against
unwanted instant messaging. Do not list your screen name
or e-mail address in public areas (such as large Internet
directories or online community profiles) or give them to
strangers. Some IM services link your screen name to your
e-mail address when you register. The easy availability of
your e-mail address can result in your receiving an increased
number of spam and phishing attacks. | |
3. |
Never provide sensitive
personal information, such as your credit card numbers or
passwords, in an IM conversation. | |
4. |
Only communicate with people
who are on your contact or buddy lists. | |
5. |
If you decide to meet a
stranger that you know only from IM communication, take
appropriate safety precautions. For example, do not meet that
person alone, (take a friend or parent with you), and always
meet and stay in a public place, such as a cafe. | |
6. |
Never open pictures,
download files, or click links in messages from people you
don’t know. If they come from someone you do know, confirm
with the sender that the message (and its attachments) is
trustworthy. If it's not, close the instant message. | |
7. |
Don't send personal or
private instant messages at work. Your employer might have
a right to view those messages. | |
8. |
If you use a public
computer, do not select the feature that allows you to log
on automatically. People who use that computer after you may
be able to see and use your screen name to log on. | |
9. |
Monitor and limit your
children's use of IM. One way to do
this is to sign up for the MSN Premium IM service that enables
you approve all of your child's contacts before she can
receive instant messages from those contacts. You'll also get
a report of your child's online activities. See the
MSN Messenger Web site
for more information on the parental controls included with
the service. | |
10. |
When you're not
available to receive messages, be
careful how you display this information to other users. For
example, you might not want everyone on your contact list to
know that you're "Out to Lunch." For more information, read
Control Your Online Status Using Windows
Messenger and
Set Your Online Status. |
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