A Free Educational Resource Created by Carnegie Mellon University to Empower You to Secure Your Part of Cyberspace

Instant Messaging (IM)

A communication service that allows you to chat online using text messages

Instant messaging is a communication service that allows you to chat online using text messages. More conversational than email, IM lets you see a message as soon as the person you are talking to types it.

There are many different instant messaging clients available, including AOL Instant Messenger  (AIM) and MSN Messenger . When using instant messaging services, you must first create a "buddy list" of people that you communicate with often. When you are signed on to the service you can see which of your buddies are online at the same time. If somebody wants to start a conversation with you, a visual or sound alert will let you know.

IM is increasingly being used as a tool to spread malware. Malware is spread on IM using links and file transfers, so you should be very careful about what links you click on when using IM. Even links from trusted friends could contain a virus. Because of the crackdown on email spam, IM is also now being used to send "spim" (i.e., instant messenger spam). "Spimmers" get your IM user name off of the Internet and use it to send advertising messages straight to your desktop.

IM has become extremely popular with children and teenagers. While it can be a good way for them to communicate with their friends, it can sometimes become a problem in families. Children may spend too much time on IM, use it to harass other kids, or use it to talk to strangers. You should be aware of your child's IM activity, and make sure he understands how to use it responsibly.

Protective Measures

Practices

  • Avoid clicking on links in IM messages: Before you click on a link, make sure that it is from somebody you know and that they intended to send you a link. Virus links can also show up in your friends' away messages (i.e., messages that are sent to you automatically if you attempt to make contact while your friends are not online). Do not click on a link in an away message unless you are sure it is legitimate.

Settings

  • Set your IM client to only receive messages from people on your friends list: This will keep spimmers and potential harassers from being able to contact you or your children.
    • In Yahoo Messenger, go to Messenger > Preferences > Ignore List. Check the box labeled "Ignore anyone who is not on my Messenger List."
    • In AOL Instant Messenger, go to My AIM > Edit Options > Edit Preferences > Privacy. Check "Allow only users on my Buddy List."
    • In MSN Messenger, go to Tools > Options > Privacy. Make sure "Other .NET Messenger Service users" is on your Block List.

Tools

  • Parental control software: Many of these applications include IM filters that can either immediately shut down a conversation that contains offensive material or block out the offending words. They can also limit how much time a child can spend on IM and who she can talk to. The GetNetWise  Web site can help you compare features on different software packages.

References

Links

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