Instant Messenger Programs Essay -- Communication Computers Internet E

Analysis of Instant messenger Programs From telegrams to telephones, to emails and faxes, people have had a strong appetency to be connected to one another. The onset of the information age has only increased that desire - to the point that people are seeking a constant connection. The trigger of minute of arc messenger programs has allowed people to be connected and communicate in real-time. Instant messaging not only provides transfer of text messages, alone peer-to-peer file sharing as easily. While file transfer provides the drug user with increased convenience, it also increases the odds of transferring viruses, worms, and other malware. This paper willing handle the major nictation messenger programs AOL IM, .NET Messenger, ICQ, and Yahoo Messenger. In particular it will explore the threats and security risks involved in both personal and master use of instant messenger programs. IntroductionAs the name suggests, instant messaging, or IM, is the real-time del ivery of a message from one user to another. Communication between each computing stations can hap as long as the appropriate version of the program is installed. Users moldiness also be concurrently running an IM client (program) as well as be on the same IM network 7. A intercourse that occurs between two or more users is known as a session (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 state 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 direct and receive m... ...5 Gaudin, Sharon. Norton Antivirus Attacks Instant Messaging. www.instant-messaging.com. terrible 2002. 6 Grimes, Roger A. IM Security Primer. www.secadministrator.com. May 2002. 7 Hindocha, Neal. Instant jeopardy 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 lay down in IM. www.cnetnews.com. August 2001. 10 Shinder, Thomas. How to Block 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 Problem with Instant Messaging Apps at Work. www.cnet.com. August 2002