Continuing from Protecting Yourself on MSN Messenger - Part 1:

Display Pictures

There have been reports of malware being transmitted by display pictures. Since display pictures can be anything you choose, hackers may attach some malware in the same was as emoticons. This is quite rare, but to be extra safe follow the directions below:

1. Go and click tools
2. Go under options
3. Go under to the tab called Personal
4. Uncheck the box that says ‘Show my display picture and allow others to see it’

Display pictures are quite important, and since cases like this are rare, you may only want to disable display pictures if you talk to people you do not know in real life regularly.

File Transfer

Probably the most common ways of getting infected by malware over an Instant Messaging program is by the sending and receiving of programs or other files. It is important that you never accept any files from someone that you do not know personally. If you really do need to accept a file from someone you do not know personally, you can help keep yourself safe by scanning the
incoming file.

1. Go and click tools
2. Go under options
3. Click the tab File Transfer
4. Check the ’scan files for viruses using:’
5. Click the browse button
6. Go to your Antivirus software and double click it
7. Click ok

Now every file that you accept will be scanned by your antivirus software. Be warned that not all antiviruses can catch every virus out there.

Hacked MSNs

Every now and then you are going to have a friend that has had his/her MSN account hacked. When this happens, you should immediately block that person on MSN until your friend tells you that they have control over their account again. However, you will not always know when your friend’s MSN has been hacked or even taken over. You can not go around being suspicious of everyone you talk to, but there are a few precautions you can take.

• If a conversation is started with the other person wanting to transfer a file, do not accept it! Make sure you talk to them first and be sure that it is really them.
• Do not click any links that they may send until you talk to them, and they reply

Hackers usually break into more than one MSN account at a time. It would be difficult for them to personally manage all of the addresses. Therefore, most of the time, it is not the hacker themselves talking to you. It is an automated message that is sent to you. When they start to talk to you, you
should reply and ask them a question or two. If they don’t answer, you should not click any links or accept any files they may want to send. Since it is unlikely that they will leave the computer right after trying to contact you if they sign out immediately, it is safe for you to assume that they have been hacked. Even if you are mistaken, you can always unblock them or reset your contacts.

• Suggest site to relevant directory categories: Internet Security, Computer Security, Instant Messengers

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