Instant Messengers + Security Paranoia

[Whinemaker]

Hi,

Just a question for you computer guru's out there...

I've started playing UO a bit more regularly again, and met some new people online. I've added some of these new people I met to my ICQ, albeit not fully trusting some of them.

Now, I'm an idiot when it comes to computers and such so please don't laugh. What are the chances of people hacking into my computer directly through ICQ (or any other instant messengers)? Like, not by sending me a camouflaged exe file for me to click on, but just directly through ICQ by my simply being logged in.

Oh, and just an extra bit of info... I have antivirus and firewall set up all the time.

Cheers.

 

[Diomedes Artega]

Hi,

Just a question for you computer guru's out there...

I've started playing UO a bit more regularly again, and met some new people online. I've added some of these new people I met to my ICQ, albeit not fully trusting some of them.

Now, I'm an idiot when it comes to computers and such so please don't laugh. What are the chances of people hacking into my computer directly through ICQ (or any other instant messengers)? Like, not by sending me a camouflaged exe file for me to click on, but just directly through ICQ by my simply being logged in.

Oh, and just an extra bit of info... I have antivirus and firewall set up all the time.

Cheers.

Just basically run your virus scan and run adware scan. Don't click on any links given to you and don't sign up on any forums you don't trust. Additionally, don't use same user name or password as your UO account.

I wouldn't add everyone under the sun though. If people don't stay in touch periodically then kick them after a short period of being inactive.

I have never had any problem with doing the above. Oh and change your passwords frequently to something only you know. Don't share your password even with family members. May seem silly advise there but...I've seen it happen. Hope that helps.

 

[Aran]

Somewhere between Jack and ****.

And Jack just left town.

 

[Whinemaker]

Just basically run your virus scan and run adware scan. Don't click on any links given to you and don't sign up on any forums you don't trust. Additionally, don't use same user name or password as your UO account.

I wouldn't add everyone under the sun though. If people don't stay in touch periodically then kick them after a short period of being inactive.

I have never had any problem with doing the above. Oh and change your passwords frequently to something only you know. Don't share your password even with family members. May seem silly advise there but...I've seen it happen. Hope that helps.

Thanks... but then when I use an instant messenger service am I connected directly to the other guy's computer?

 

[Black Sun]

Thanks... but then when I use an instant messenger service am I connected directly to the other guy's computer?

I don't believe so. I'm pretty sure the messages are routed though the messenger service's servers before it goes to the recipient.

 

[Diomedes Artega]

I don't believe so. I'm pretty sure the messages are routed though the messenger service's servers before it goes to the recipient.

Yes. Otherwise pretty easy to just go ahead and install key-logging software onto your computer and steal your account information.

 

[Whinemaker]

Thanks guys... it's a relief.

 

[Diomedes Artega]

Thanks guys... it's a relief.

Additionally, it was a point I forgot to mention. As long as you run the website with adware (if you don't trust it)...some virus protection also shows you whether a site is safe or not. Anyways >

There is an online medium where you can just chat on whatever program you use. It does not require download of any software. Quite handy I have to say since basically zero risk and if you were worried...just hit the X button in the top right corner. Problem solved.