The Internet is probably one of the most revolutionary advancements in technology. And because of the number of people using it every day, it brings with it a lot of unforeseen threats that could lead to grim situations if not dealt with accordingly. Risks could be as harmless as simple errors or as detrimental as viruses and identity thieves which steal and exploit one's confidential data for their monetary or social gain.
Because of this, Internet security has now become the chief concern of the Internet industry. Relatively, Instant Messaging is possibly one program who provides the most direct and greatest danger. It is referred to as conversations between users through the internet in real time. Otherwise known as cyber chatting, IM is usually common in software such as Yahoo! Messenger and MSN Messenger. Today, it can be used as a gateway for thieves online to steal confidential information since it is so easy to get hooked on it due to its flexibility, dynamism and real time characteristics.
Because of this reality, a large number of users are alarmed since even adults can be vulnerable to the threats of Instant Messaging. Not only are users of the Internet in danger of identity theft, there are even more precarious threats online. These can involve scandalous crimes such as sexual predation, stalking and a lot more.
However, these threats can be avoided by maintaining Internet security, more specifically, in Instant Messaging. You can protect yourself from the dangers of Instant Messaging by using simple yet practical steps so that you can keep on enjoying the perks of Instant Messaging without worry.
There are quite a few safety measures that you can observe while using the Internet. The most important rule to remember about sharing information is confidentiality. As teenagers are likely to give out a lot of information about themselves in the thrill of social networking or Instant Messaging, they are more susceptible to the hazards posed by using the Internet. Here are some tips to avoid these threats.
1. The screen names you use should not obviously suggest or refer to any of your personal data regardless of how insignificant it may seem to you. As online thieves are always on the prowl for anything worthy of stealing, even the tiniest bit of information may lead you to them.
2. Avoid publishing too much information online especially in social networking sites. Certain programs used by hackers are on the lookout for email addresses where they can send spam mail to containing adware, spyware, viruses or any other type of malware. These can disclose information to hackers. In addition, you should not give out pieces of data easily since hackers can simply intercept these instant messages and acquire private information.
3. Utilize a tough anti-virus or anti-spyware program. They can look into your drivers and remove any viruses from your computer and preventing information leak.
4. And lastly, you need to always check and scan all the files you download and receive before opening them for these may contain malware.
Tina L. Douglas is a skilled writer from California. With numerous experiences in the field of writing for several financial institutions, she is greatly qualified across a variety of economic issues. Her notable pieces of writing involve internet security.
