IM the Safe Way
Introduction
This has probably happened to you at one time or another: Your computer goes "Ping! Ping! Ping!" while windows pop up on the screen with a string of text messages, as your kid hunches in her chair typing and chuckling. What is she up to? It's called instant messaging and it seems everyone's doing it these days.
When you open your IM program, you can see who on your Buddy or Friends list is currently online. To IM a friend, you simply click his or her screen name from your list, type up a quick message (never mind proper grammar when it comes to IMing), and hit Send. Your message pops up on your friend's computer screen faster than an email could travel across the Internet. Now you can chat back and forth. In fact, most IM programs also allow you to talk face-to-face using web cameras.
Convenient as it may be, however, IMing also comes with security risks. Whether you're contemplating joining the instant messaging crowd, or are already an avid IMer, here are a few hazards you — and your kids — need to beware of:
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Spam/spim Junk IMs, also known as spim are on the rise. These ads often contain inappropriate images (such as pornographic photos) that can suddenly pop up on your computer screen. Sometimes the messages appear to be from your bank or a contest, for example, but are actually from criminals, who are trying to con you into divulging personal and financial information.
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Worms, viruses, Trojan horses Just like with email, malicious programs can infect your IM program, too. If this happens, unbeknownst to you, infected IMs will be sent to those on your Buddy or Friends list. These viruses can make your IM program sluggish, crash your computer, or even take over your computer to surreptitiously use it for hacking or other illegal activities.
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Predators Kids are IM's No. 1 fans: 75% of American teens use IM, according to a 2005 report by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. But IM's very personal, one-to-one nature — and the fact that you can close an IM chat window and it's as if the conversation never existed — has attracted child predators. Experts say these predator use IM to find new victims and try to lure them for offline meetings or to indecently expose themselves via web cams.
Safety and privacy tips
There's no cure-all for all IM hazards, but vigilance, common sense and a few basic safety tips can keep your family safe and connected, says Anne Collier, editor, executive director and founder of NetFamilyNews.com. To keep your family safe, here are her recommendations:
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Reprinted with permission from Symantec. ©1995 - 2008 Symantec Corporation
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