7.
I've heard that "instant messaging" is a quick way to send
and receive messages. Is it any more or less secure than email?
Can my abuser read the messages I've sent and received through
instant messaging?
Instant messaging (sometimes called IM) is the ability to
easily see whether a friend is connected to the Internet and,
if they are, to exchange messages with them. Generally it
is good practice not to transmit sensitive and confidential
information through Instant Messengers, since IM could be
intercepted and read.
If
you use instant messaging and your abuser has access to your
computer, be aware of and make use of the privacy features
of the program you are using. MSN messenger, ICQ, AOL each
have slightly different privacy protection features.
| CAUTION:
Make sure you DO NOT have your computer set to
automatically keep a history of your messages if you are
concerned about your abuser reading them. |
or example, if
you are using MSN messenger, select Options and then Messages;
unclick the checkbox for message history.
|
