IM viruses finally come of age

ZD Net ^ | April 1, 2005 | Robert Vamosi

[infocats]

Over the last four years, I've been saying that instant messaging (IM) is a security threat waiting to happen. While a few random computer viruses over the years have exploited IMs, there's been a definite uptick in IM-borne virus activity within the last few weeks. Most of these IM-borne viruses have targeted MSN Messenger, although the ever popular AOL IM is not without its own problems. Microsoft's recent announcement regarding greater IM capabilities within Microsoft Office, however, could set the stage for faster and more efficient computer virus attacks in the very near future.

[Huck]

I wish all the various IMs were compatible the way email software is all compatible. If we had one standard for IM, I think it would become a more frequently used office communication tool. but it's annoying to have some ppl on messenger, some on aol, some on msn, etc.

[goldstategop]

Download Trillian and import them to a common list. Or if you're on Linux, you can use GAIM or other popular IM clones to manage all your IM contact lists.

(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)

[OSHA]

Trillian works great on all of them. It is free and free of spyware. It allowed my kids to chat with friends that use AIM which I would not allow within 10 feet of my computer. AOL is a virus IMHO.