Instant messaging (IM) is no longer the plaything of the kids. Everyone, including large parts of business, now use IM services to communicate. It’s efficient and cheap, and a great way to stay in touch. And there’s quite a few out there, with the number of IM per day standing at around 46 billion, with some 320 million individual users.

But, no matter how good IM is, it’s a beacon for a whole host of viruses.

And cyber criminals haven’t been slow to catch on. IM is a beacon for viruses and trojans, spam and direct file infections. And the problem with IM services, is that because they involve computer-to-computer transfers, they are a ripe breeding ground for all the usual suspects. When a virus effects a person’s IM service, the first thing it does is to spread itself around the victim’s buddy list. It sends off a message and the recipients, thinking it’s from their friends, innocently opens it, clicks on a link, and is directed towards a website which contains the actual virus. And this happens so quickly, that the virus can be up and running on thousands of computer within minutes.

Also, IM viruses love direct file transfers, as many of these go outside the anti-virus software suite, which means the virus gets a free trip into someone’s computer.

So, few people are going to stop using their IM services, but what can you do to prevent contamination?

Firstly, don’t click on links from incoming emails unless you are completely comfortable with the source and can trust it. And don’t click on any link that you weren’t expecting; it’s just not worth it.

Secondly, keep up with all security patches, as they will help fill the holes once they’ve been discovered. And you use the latest anti-virus software at all times.

Thirdly, consider specific IM anti-virus packages. The trouble with the main suites is that IM services are included almost as an after thought. So you might be better getting a programme that is superficially geared to catching IM viruses.

Fourthly, do not encourage spam via the IM services (known as SPIM). Use your settings to tighten up on the criteria of who can message you and at what times.

Fifthly, protect yourself against unwanted file transfers, as this is a popular method for sending viruses. Don’t accept any file from anyone you don’t know and set you IM settings to protect yourself against unwanted transfers.

So that’s it. IM is great fun, but it’s also high risk, so take great care not to over expose yourself.

Safer Instant Messaging – Recap

• IM used by huge numbers of people;
• preyed on by predators;
• very vulnerable;
• file transfers are worse;
• keep updated at all times;
• set controls to fend of baddies.