What is instant messaging?

Instant messaging allows people to chat in real time over the internet in a similar way to mobile phone text messages. Advanced systems allow webcam and voice communication. The main systems are: AIM, ICQ, Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger.

What are the risks?

• People aren’t necessarily who they say they are online.
• Human interaction can be very persuasive when it comes to making you do something unsafe. For example, a common attack is to persuade someone to download and run a virus-infected piece of software.
• There is no guarantee of privacy. Conversations are not encrypted and can be saved for use offline.
• IM software may be vulnerable to virus or other attack.
• Online chat rooms, accessible through instant messaging, are generally unwholesome places.

How to use instant messaging safely

• Never give out passwords, credit card information or other private data.
• Don’t let children use instant messaging chat rooms.
• Block strangers. If your software allows it, set up the system so that only people on your ‘allow’ list can contact you.
• Leave your online profile blank, or where you have to enter data to use the system, enter fictitious data.
• Don’t use your system or email password to log on to an IM system.
• IM is not encrypted so don’t use it to transmit information such as credit card numbers or other sensitive information.
• Disable automatic downloads.
• Be very wary of disclosing any private information to a stranger you meet via instant messaging. Even apparently innocent information like the name of your employer can be used against you by fraudsters.
• Verify information you receive on instant messaging elsewhere. In particular, check any security “advice” you get.
• Keep your IM software up-to-date.

How to protect webcams

A webcam is a digital camera attached to a computer. It allows people to video conference while online. Obviously, you don't want just anyone accessing your webcam.

• Make sure your PC is secure. A webcam attached to a secure PC is safe.
• Make sure your wireless network, if you use one, is secure.
• Use a strong password to control access to a standalone webcam.
• If possible configure webcams to allow incoming connections only from known, trusted computers.
• Check manufacturers’ websites periodically for software updates.
• If you feel particularly paranoid, unplug your webcam when you don’t need it or tape a piece of paper over the lens to provide a kind of privacy shutter.