Security while using AOL Instant Messenger
AOL Instant Messenger is one of the most popular targets for hackers, viruses and various scammers.
Viruses
Most of the AIM viruses spread as simple messages. For example, you could see a chat from a friend which
says "hey check this pic out!" followed by a link to a picture or a file sharing request.
Upon clicking on this link, a virus will be downloaded to your computer and it will
immediately start sending these links to your friends in your contact list.
This is how these viruses spread really quickly.
Some common symptoms of a computer virus infection are:
- Slower than usual execution of common tasks
- Pop-ups and unwanted spam advertisements
- Inability to change system settings
- Deactivation of your existing Antivirus
- Slower access to the network
- High memory and internet data usage even when the computer is idle
There are a lot of ways to protect yourself from a virus, such as:
- Do not click on suspicious links
- Always keep your antivirus up to date
- Scan your computer frequently
- Remove unused software frequently
- Use a pop-up blocker
While using AOL Instant Messenger, it is important to use common sense while clicking on links,
because they may be malicious. It may cause loss of data and security and can also be responsible for
losing your reputation amongst friends and business clients.
They may block you for sending them spam or even report you to Yahoo! who may disable your account.
Scams
The most common scam is when a stranger adds you to their contact list, usually with a display picture of a hot girl
and a promiscious nickname and/or email address. Then they attempt to strike up a conversation with you, which quickly turns into an offer for
visiting their webcam videochat, "which only needs a credit card to verify you are over 18".
Obviously, this is a scam to cheat you out of your money by signing you up for some unwanted adult service, or simply
steal your credit card information.
Make sure to use common sense when talking to strangers. Also, sometimes it is easy to detect these scams, because often
they are not human, but rather software programs, or "bots". They usually follow a set script, so if something in your dialogue
does not make sense, you are probably talking to one of these bots, so stay away.
Avoid Giving Out Your Username or Password
You may receive an instant message or an email from an official-looking AIM IDs
that might request you to "confirm" your username and password for "account maintenance" or
"security reasons". Please keep in mind that real AOL staff whould never contact you to provide
such information so, if somebody from ID such as "AOLAdmin" or similar is
trying to get you to disclose these details, you should avoid answering and
add this ID to the ignore/block list.
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