Username: Save?
Password:
Home Forum Links Search Login Register*
    News: Keep The TechnoWorldInc.com Community Clean: Read Guidelines Here.
Recent Updates
[September 09, 2024, 12:27:25 PM]

[September 09, 2024, 12:27:25 PM]

[September 09, 2024, 12:27:25 PM]

[September 09, 2024, 12:27:25 PM]

[August 10, 2024, 12:34:30 PM]

[August 10, 2024, 12:34:30 PM]

[August 10, 2024, 12:34:30 PM]

[August 10, 2024, 12:34:30 PM]

[July 05, 2024, 02:11:09 PM]

[July 05, 2024, 02:11:09 PM]

[July 05, 2024, 02:11:09 PM]

[June 21, 2024, 01:43:48 PM]

[June 21, 2024, 01:43:48 PM]
Subscriptions
Get Latest Tech Updates For Free!
Resources
   Travelikers
   Funistan
   PrettyGalz
   Techlap
   FreeThemes
   Videsta
   Glamistan
   BachatMela
   GlamGalz
   Techzug
   Vidsage
   Funzug
   WorldHostInc
   Funfani
   FilmyMama
   Uploaded.Tech
   MegaPixelShop
   Netens
   Funotic
   FreeJobsInc
   FilesPark
Participate in the fastest growing Technical Encyclopedia! This website is 100% Free. Please register or login using the login box above if you have already registered. You will need to be logged in to reply, make new topics and to access all the areas. Registration is free! Click Here To Register.
+ Techno World Inc - The Best Technical Encyclopedia Online! » Forum » THE TECHNO CLUB [ TECHNOWORLDINC.COM ] » Ethical Hacking / Security / Viruses
 5 steps to help avoid instant message viruses
Pages: [1]   Go Down
  Print  
Author Topic: 5 steps to help avoid instant message viruses  (Read 5460 times)
Admin
Administrator
Adv. Member
*****



Karma: 208
Offline Offline

Posts: 496

TWI Admin

159511729 vatsal2002 superwebchampz
View Profile WWW
5 steps to help avoid instant message viruses
« Posted: October 07, 2006, 10:02:58 PM »


5 steps to help avoid instant message viruses
Watch out for files sent in IM—they could be viruses in disguise


Instant messaging, commonly referred to as IM, is a method of online communication like e-mail. The main difference, as the name suggests, is that IM is instantaneous. Using an IM program—such as MSN Messenger, Windows Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, or others—you and a friend can type messages to each other and see the messages almost immediately.

Because IM has become so popular, virus writers are using it to spread malicious programs. Read on to find out how to avoid getting or spreading a virus when you use IM.

Understanding instant message viruses

Like e-mail viruses, instant message viruses are malicious or annoying programs that are designed to travel through IM. In most cases these viruses are spread when a person opens an infected file that was sent in an instant message that appeared to come from a friend.

The following is an example of what an IM virus sent through an infected file might look like:

</img>

Example of an infected file sent through an instant message

When unsuspecting people open these files, their computers can become infected with a virus. Because of the virus, their computers may slow down or stop responding, or they may not notice any change at all. However, the virus might have installed a covert program on their computer that could damage software, hardware, or important files, and that may include spyware, which can track information entered on a computer.

A computer infected by a virus may continue to spread the infection by sending copies of the virus to everyone on your IM contact list. A contact list is the collection of IM names (similar to an e-mail address book) that you can store in your IM program.
Top of page
5 steps to help avoid instant message viruses

As with most threats on the Internet, you can help keep yourself safe by taking basic precautions. If you know how to avoid e-mail viruses, you'll already be familiar with many of these steps.

1.

Be careful downloading files in IM. Never open, accept, or download a file in IM from someone you don't know. If the file comes from someone you do know, don't open it unless you know what the file is and you were expecting it. Contact the sender by e-mail, phone, or some other method to confirm that what they sent was not a virus.

2.

Update your Windows software. Visit Microsoft Update to scan your computer and install any high-priority updates that are offered to you. If you have Automatic Updates enabled, the updates are delivered to you when they are released, but you have to make sure you install them. For more information, visit the Protect Your PC site.

3.

Make sure you're using an updated version of your IM software. Using the most up-to-date version of your IM software can better protect your computer against viruses and spyware. If you're using MSN Messenger, install the updated version by visiting the MSN Messenger Web site and clicking the Download Now! button.

4.

Use antivirus software and keep it updated. Antivirus software can help to detect and remove IM viruses from your computer, but only if you keep the antivirus software current. If you've purchased a subscription from an antivirus software company, your antivirus software may update itself when you're connected to the Internet.

5.

Use anti-spyware software and keep it updated. Some IM viruses may install spyware or other unwanted software on your computer. Anti-spyware software can help to protect your computer from spyware and remove any spyware you may already have. If you don't have anti-spyware software, you can download the new Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) or another spyware removal tool.

Logged

« Reply #1 Posted: June 01, 2009, 09:17:07 AM »
Frinceomar
Newbie
*


Karma: 0
Offline Offline

Posts: 1


View Profile Email
Re: 5 steps to help avoid instant message viruses
« Reply #1 Posted: June 01, 2009, 09:17:07 AM »

Thanks for sharing this 5 steps to help avoid instant message viruses.
« Last Edit: June 06, 2009, 01:32:27 PM by Mark David » Logged
Pages: [1]   Go Up
  Print  
 
Jump to:  

Copyright © 2006-2023 TechnoWorldInc.com. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
Page created in 0.087 seconds with 23 queries.