Instant Messaging Security
The Security Side of Instant Messaging
Instant messaging is one of the most popular forms of communication used today. Adored by children and useful for inner-office conversations, instant messaging is now a ubiquitous form of chatting, whether it’s across the building or on the other side of the world.
Instant messaging programs were born out of online, real-time chat rooms that were popular on bulletin board systems and peer-to-peer networks, such as IRC, in the early 1980s. By the early 1990s, user-friendly Internet service providers such as AOL featured true instant messaging features more along the lines of what is used today. By the end of that decade, AOL and other companies began creating instant messaging programs that ran independently of ISP programs. The next advancement came when catch-all programs such as Trillian allowed people using different IM programs to chat directly with each other.
Types of IM dangers
However, instant messaging programs are also an easy way for cybercriminals to gain access to a remote computer. Almost any form of intrusion or cybercrime can be committed through one of these programs. That’s why it’s important to make sure to have a computer protected against these attacks, and also for all users of instant messaging programs to learn about the dangers of using them.
These dangers include:
- Malware – Trojan horses, viruses, spyware, and other malware can all be delivered as attachments through instant messaging programs. Also, a user can click a link in a message that leads them to a harmful Web site that downloads malware onto their computer.
- Keylogging – Because chat programs use plain text, it makes it much easier for cybercriminals to view the text that’s typed. This can result in identity theft, or even embarrassment or threats of extortion.
- Social engineering – This is the “science” of tricking people into divulging personal information or performing actions they wouldn’t normally do, usually in a digital setting. One sort of social engineering may come in the form of an IM request for login and password information, seemingly from the administrators of the chat program.
Aside from identity theft, social engineering can also lead to physical or mental harm through instant messaging programs. If a cybercriminal can gain the confidence of someone through a chat program, they may reveal personal information, such as where they live, what they own, and even the hours they’re home. (A criminal can “case” a house with never stepping foot near the property.) Also, predators are also known to gain the confidence of all ages of children, easily posing as another child through the anonymity of the computer. This can lead to inappropriate conversations, luring the child under false pretenses, kidnapping, or worse.
How to stay safe while chatting
Because there are a number of ways intrusions can take place while using instant messaging programs, there must also be a number of ways to prevent these attacks from happening. These include:
- Antivirus software – Some antivirus software, such as latest Norton 360, include features that scan instant messages for dangerous attachments and suspicious links. Also, Norton 360 will seek out and secure vulnerabilities in instant messaging programs, which will help prevent these intrusions from occurring in the first place.
- Parental control software – Children today do not remember a time when communication wasn’t instant and ubiquitous. However, because of this, a line has been blurred in younger generations of what information should remain private. Some children equate sending a private message to a friend to whispering in a friend’s ear. They don’t understand that anything sent digitally (instant message, e-mail, social networking post, etc.) can be distributed to the masses, making a secret public instantly. It also makes them much more susceptible to social engineering.
For this reason, it’s important for parents to have parental control software that allows them to not only restrict and monitor their children’s activities online, but also help them discuss the dangers of using the Internet, especially instant messaging programs. - Education – Children and adults alike should learn about the dangers that can pass through an instant messaging program. Just like in chain e-mails, any attachment or link in an instant message – especially one from an unknown source – can be malware or an attempt to steal information. Never accept an invite from a randomly sent instant message. And pay attention to warnings form antivirus software and the chat program itself that messages may be spam. Also, administrators of a program will never ask for login and password information.
- Updates – Make sure all software programs, including the operating system, have all current patches and updates. These will make sure a computer is protected against the latest threats.
By following these simple steps, users of instant messaging programs can operate in a safe environment.