Instant messaging software allows people to chat with friends from anywhere, even across the globe. The instant messaging software is widely used because it provides real-time conversations, for as long as two people who wish to talk are online. The intended recipient can also read the messages immediately as it will flash on the screen, unlike emails that you need to open every now and then.
Yahoo, MSN, and AOL provide the most popular Internet messenger tools and software today. And because their programs are widely used, hackers had created worms to infiltrate it. To penetrate computers through instant messengers even proved to be more convenient than doing it through e-mails, because users always leave these instant messengers running about even if they are out.
But don’t stop using your Internet messenger just yet. There is still hope in securing your computer and your network amidst all the hackers lurking right outside. For one, be wary of the links you click. Always put your guard up. Ignore all kinds of messages, no matter how intriguing they may seem, if they don’t come from somebody you know.
Just one click on those links will take you to the download zone of applets that will propagate the worm. All the while you thought the installation screen you are clicking through allows you to view photos or sites it tells you about, but what it is doing is it puts viruses in your computer.
To further ensure that your PC is secure even as you exchange instant messages with friends, you can opt to install a tight security program. You can buy the one that works as an Internet firewall, spy checker, and anti-virus software all in one. Specifically look for the one that protects Internet messenger software from the major providers.
For emails, it usually comes built-in. But for Internet messengers, it has to be especially stated. Zone Labs had recently released IMSecure, a program that effectively encrypts your messages. It can also block questionable URLs coming from people not in your friends list.
Anti-software giants Norton and McAfee also integrated instant messenger scanning. Their program also protects the computer from receiving viruses from the file transfer option the messenger window has. Every URL’s sent are also screened.
Always remember that viruses and worms can be very persistent. They would look for any holes in your network and through your computer into your personal information. And then they would propagate and do the same to every person in your messenger list. Don’t compromise. Always secure your network.
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