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• Choose an non identifiable, non gender specific screen name (and keep it clean!)
• Never give out any personal information whilst using IM. That means your real name, telephone or cell phone number[s], mailing address, passwords, banking details etc.
• Never accept files or downloads from people you don't know or from people you do know, if you weren‘t expecting them. This includes URLs.
• Never arrange to meet someone offline that you only know through IM conversations.
• Make sure you know how to save copies of your IM conversations.
• Remember your Netiquette and be nice! Don’t send mean IM messages or incite others to do so. More...

Shared computers

• If you use a shared or public computer (at home, work or school/college, for instance) do not use the automatic login that comes as standard with most instant message programs.
• If you use a computer at work, your company may have the right to view your conversations so don’t use your work computer for private IM conversations.

Hello? Is there anybody in there?

• Most IM clients allow you to control if people on your contact list can see if you're online. That means you can set your IM client so that when you log on, nobody can see you - giving you time to check out which of your contacts are online and, if there are any “mysterious” contacts you don’t recognize.
• IM screen names, like e-mail addresses, should be kept private. If you post your e-mail address online, you are making yourself a target for unsolicited e-mail and if you post your IM screen name then you are making yourself a target for unsolicited IM messages (spim). Remember, with many IM clients, your screen name can be used to identify your e-mail address.
• You should only communicate with contacts you recognize, if someone you do not know sends you a request to add them to your contacts, decline it and block them until you are sure you know who that person is. Likewise, if you plan to ask someone if you can be added to their contact list, make sure they know you are going to do that by e-mailing them and/or asking them first.

These are not the only safety issues related to using Instant Messaging clients. In addition to privacy, it should also be noted that Instant Messages are transmitted as clear text, using insecure protocols and that these messages use nonstandard TCP ports, so will not necessarily be filtered by firewalls. Depending on your antivirus software, IM attachments may not be scanned for viruses.

It is important to remember that, in order for your Instant Messaging client to be secure, your computer must also be secure. It is vital that you run up-to-date antivirus software and that you regularly apply security patches to your computer. You should also install either a software or hardware (or both) firewall to add extra protection for you computer.