Instant messaging (IM) enables a fast and convenient way of communication. To keep the overhead of this communication low, however, most IM conversations are not encrypted. Malicious intruders who intercept IM messages can therefore easily read their content. It is especially unsafe to use unsecured IM on unsecured networks like public wireless networks.
Newer versions of IM software like Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger and AOL IM provide encryption for IM in their enterprise versions. These IM packages require that the user at the other end also have encryption turned on.
Standalone software, such as IMSecure from ZoneLabs, also exists, which can encrypt most IM programs. Again, a caveat is that the user at the other end needs to have the program installed and encryption turned on.
References
- Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC)
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