Insecure Messaging

We all know about the threat of viruses and worms in email, but I think most people are letting their guards off when it comes to instant messaging (IM). Check out these articles:

• Worms biting harder into IM, P2P
• Spying worm spreads via MSN Messenger, AIM
• Does IM stand for insecure messaging?

The bottomline is, like email, DO NOT assume that the message or file transfer request you receive is from your contact, even if it appears so in the messenger window. More importantly, DO NOT accept a file transfer or click on a link unless you've verified its authenticity. Ask your contact first if he or she has really sent it.

So be careful, and let your friends know too!