Use Caution before you accept files or click links

Viruses cannot be transferred through an instant message (IM), but it is possible that files attached to an IM may contain viruses or trojans. Also, links sent in an IM may point to web pages that contain viruses and trojans.

You should use caution in opening any file or link sent through IM, even if it is from a known person. Some viruses and trojans can send harmful links that appear to be from a buddy you know. You should always use good virus protection software, such as McAfee VirusScan, for automatic scanning of all attachments.

Phishing is a form of internet-based identity theft. Phishers typically use upsetting or exciting (but false) statements asking for information, such as user names, passwords, credit card or social security numbers, in order to gain access to the victim's financial (and other) accounts.

Phishing scams may take many forms, but they typically start with an email or IM asking you to visit a website to update your personal information.

Protect Your AIM 6.1 Account

Make sure you have a password that is difficult to guess but easy for you to remember, and that you change it frequently. Do not tell anyone your password. If you use a shared computer, you may choose not to use the Save Password feature on the AIM® 6.1 sign-on screen.


There may be security flaws in your operating system, web browser, or other software. These can allow a remote user to take control of your computer and capture your passwords or other personal data. There are several measures you can take to protect yourself from these security flaws, such as: Keep your operating system software up to date by installing all security updates/critical updates:

- Microsoft Windows
- Apple Macintosh

Install personal firewall software, which will alert you to possibly dangerous data transmissions.

Before clicking any hyperlink, in an email or IM, move your mouse pointer over the link so that you can see the actual URL (web address) that the link is pointing to.

Note:Moving the mouse pointer over the link can give you a good idea of whether the link is safe to click. If you are not sure, ask the sender if they meant to send it to you. Some viruses or trojans send dangerous links in emails or instant messages to users in the infected machine's Buddy List or address book, so that the recipient thinks the link is safe because it came from a known person.

If you are going to visit an unfamiliar website, go to the security preferences for your web browser and change the security level to High for the Internet Zone.

Create a secure password.

Change your password every three months.

Security Issues That Might Affect AIM 6.1

A security hole in the Windows version of Internet Explorer allows a malicious website to run dangerous code on your computer if you visit that website. The attacker can then control your computer, and sign on with your AIM 6.1 screen name if your password is stored (although your password would not actually be revealed).

If you think your computer has been compromised, you should immediately change all of your AIM 6.1 passwords. All users should immediately install the security patch, available from Microsoft at microsoft.com/technet/security.