Most computer users are familiar with email viruses but seldom think of their instant messenger service as a security risk. Viruses can spread through instant messenger services even in a business environment with an IT department to oversee internet safety, but there are some steps you can take to make your instant messenger safe. Here are a few tips to make sure you download instant messenger and use it safely. Keep your identity hidden Use a screen name that is different from your given name. Don’t give out personal email or phone numbers. Never give out your social security or credit card numbers. Only chat with people you know Friends should let you know what their instant messenger identity is before they request to be added to your IM contact list. This is vital to the safe use when you download instant messenger. If you are a business owner with employees, you will want to download instant messenger from a client that can offer you control of buddy lists of your employees. Examine links carefully Viruses can even appear in windows that appear to come from someone on your contact list. Always inspect any links carefully before clicking on them, and know what a "spammy" link looks like. Nix file sharing There are safer ways to share files with your buddies. If you accept a file that carries a virus, Trojan horse, or worm it may very well be distributed to everyone on your contact list. The only exception is if you download instant messenger with security features. Block unknown users If you receive a message from an unknown user, use the "Block" or "Ignore" user feature to prevent them from sending messages in the future. If needed, set the security settings of your download instant messenger to a higher level to help block messages from non-contacts. Install updates Your instant messenger will automatically notify you when updates are available. These should be installed since they can contain important information to help counter viruses, spam, etc. Create a strong password Even though it is just instant messenger, create a strong password that will increase the difficulty level for hacking your information. Use a combination of random letters and numbers and symbols preferably eight or more characters in length. Plug-ins There are many plug-ins available to upgrade your download instant messenger. To maintain security, you should only use plug-ins that are available from the IM client website. Log out Finally, always log out of your download instant messenger to safely end your session. This step proceeds clicking the X to close the window. Select Log Out from the dropdown menu and then close the window.
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