Instant Messenger Programs Essay -- Communication Computers Internet E

Analysis of wink Messenger Programs From telegrams to telephones, to emails and faxes, throng have had a strong desire to be connected to one a nonher. The onset of the nurture age has only increased that desire - to the point that people atomic number 18 seeking a constant connection. The introduction of instant courier programs has entirelyowed people to be connected and communicate in real-time. Instant messaging not only provides transfer of text messages, but peer-to-peer file sharing as well. While file transfer provides the user with increased convenience, it also increases the betting odds of transferring viruses, worms, and other malware. This paper will discuss the major instant messenger programs AOL IM, .NET Messenger, ICQ, and Yahoo Messenger. In particular it will explore the threats and security risks twisty in both personal and professional use of instant messenger programs. IntroductionAs the name suggests, instant messaging, or IM, is the real-time ora l communication of a message from one user to another. Communication between any computing stations can occur as long as the appropriate version of the program is installed. Users must also be concurrently running an IM client (program) as well as be on the corresponding IM network 7. A conversation that occurs between two or more users is cognise as a seance (or channel). A session can either be public, where any and all users can participate, or private, where users must be invited to participate in the session. Buddy lists, also known as contact lists, allow users to maintain communication with specific users of the same IM client and network.While each instant messaging program is unique, they all employ similar client-server architecture to send and receive m... ...5 Gaudin, Sharon. Norton Antivirus Attacks Instant Messaging. www.instant-messaging.com. deluxe 2002. 6 Grimes, Roger A. IM Security Primer. www.secadministrator.com. May 2002. 7 Hindoch a, Neal. Instant Insecurity Security Issues of Instant Messaging. www.securityfocus.com. January 2003. 8 Hindocha, Neal. Threats to Instant Messaging. Symantec Security Response. January 2003. 9 Hu, Jim. Worms Find Fertile Ground in IM. www.cnetnews.com. August 2001. 10 Shinder, Thomas. How to fold Dangerous Instant Messengers Using ISA Server. www.windowssecurity.com. July 2002. 11 Thorsberg, Frank. Is IM a Sieve for Corporate Secrets? www.pcworld.com July 2002. 12 Varnosi, Robert. The puzzle with Instant Messaging Apps at Work. www.cnet.com. August 2002