Windows Messenger

[Frenchman96]

Hi Guys

Any comments on Windows Live Messenger where you type/talk live with several friends?

A friend wants me to join but another experienced friend said it is a bad security risk???

[Tortanick]

Most microsoft stuff is a security risk, we recently had a pritty bad risk from excel (http://news.com.com/Another+security+hole+found+in+Excel/2100-1002_3-6091480.html?tag=nefd.top)!

If you want to talk to others I would recomend useing GAIM (http://gaim.sourceforge.net/)

[dbarrow]

Almost all of the IMs have come under increasing attack over the last year as scammers have found them easy prey for phishing and links to bogus sites.
Many people have simply quit using them.

One of the problems with IM use is that it creates an open connection and listens on specific ports. This leaves a visible hole that passes through firewall and router protection that can be exploited.
Another problem is people mindlessly addicted to IMs who will click on any message box when it pops up. This is where the scammers have learned various tricks to direct users to connecting to sites that will dl malware as soon as you connect to them.
Open door for infection!

[PeteF]

Hi Guys

Any comments on Windows Live Messenger where you type/talk live with several friends?

A friend wants me to join but another experienced friend said it is a bad security risk???

gudda, I recommend Yahoo Messenger.
If you stay off the chat rooms and just use the private messaging between
people you know and trust, you will be fine. I've been using it for years
and never had a problem with malware due to Yahoo Messenger.
FYI: I'm protected by Router firewall and ZoneAlarm firewall.

Yahoo messenger is great because it has the best set of Emoticons
which help a lot when typing back and forth. It supports Web CAMS
and talking on the MIC. You can also exchange files. I prefer the
user interface over all the other IM services.

---pete---

[mylanta]

Much as I hate Aol, Aim is the only one of these I use. I have a real problem with Yahoo and Googloe toolbars that load in with most other aps and so I decided on using the one most folks I know are on, though I use a really old version to keep away from the spyware.

[dbarrow]

AIM was always reliable but each version brings more and more embedded junk that installs with it.
Newer versions launch tons of browser pages and apps, all of which would indicate a likelyhood that they can be exploited and used by scammers.
There are third party lite and ad blocking versions for it.
IM spam and scam has grown into a major malware business.

All IMs open, and hold open, a gateway to the web that makes you visible and vulnerable.

Most people I know have given up on IM.
Many use cell phone txt, which at least is more secure, although I don't know why they just don't voice call instead of spending time pecking those little keys.

You get almost as quick a response with email.

[rVidia]

gudda:

http://securitytracker.com/alerts/2006/Jun/1016373.html
http://forums.fanatic.net.nz/index.php?showtopic=15837

Above are two articles I've come across describing security vulnerabilities in WLM. There are probably more security risks, as there are many with IMing in general.

I'd recommend using GAIM, "a multi-protocol instant messaging" client. See http://gaim.sourceforge.net/faq.php#q106 for "security" info. Downloads at http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/gaim/gaim-1.5.0.exe?download

If you don't care for GAIM, I'd recommend an older version of AOL Instant Messenger, available at http://www.oldversion.com/program.php?n=aim

[Frenchman96]

Hi Guys

Thanks for replies, remember it was for a friend so I have passed info on and he went to Germany today to set up his son with Messenger.

I think I agree with DBarrow...A friend keeps telling me to join her on MSN Messenger and I have the odd time, but personally, I like to e-mail, you can sit back, think what to say or edit.

If I want to talk, I pick up the phone, the one advantage is economics as we are paying for BB so our call is free but I think all charges (unlike gas/electric/petrol) are coming down with the competition.

[Dan18960]

Much as I hate Aol, Aim is the only one of these I use. I have a real problem with Yahoo and Googloe toolbars that load in with most other aps and so I decided on using the one most folks I know are on, though I use a really old version to keep away from the spyware.

Rich,

If you select for the custom installation you get the option to de-select the toolbars in Yahoo. I don't do google's anything but search FROM their web page.

[Frenchman96]

Dan

I do the same, always ignore the toolbars and use Google just for searching

[Tortanick]

I like to e-mail, you can sit back, think what to say or edit.


Amen to that

[mylanta]

Rich,

If you select for the custom installation you get the option to de-select the toolbars in Yahoo. I don't do google's anything but search FROM their web page.

But Dan, in the last version they installed Wild Tangent with no choice which is spyware.