- 1). Talk only to people you know and trust, if at all possible. Keep your personal information secret if you talk to strangers. Do not reveal details such as your name, location, credit card number or daily schedule. Also make sure your MSN Messenger screen name does not reveal any of these details.
- 2). Install anti-virus software on your computer and think twice before downloading files, even if they're from friends. Viruses can hide themselves as documents and pictures in instant messages and then infect your computer if you choose to download them. Malware such as the Bropia.F worm can make it appear as though an infected file came from a friend.
If you do not have an anti-virus scanner, Microsoft provides its Security Essentials suite free to Windows users. (See Resources.) - 3). Log out of MSN when instant messaging on a public computer. Leaving MSN logged-in could allow someone else to take over your screen name, view your messages and impersonate you.
- 4). Block anyone you do not feel safe talking to. It can often be harder to avoid someone online than in real life. Right-click any contact in MSN to block that person.
You can also block people not on your contact list. Click "Actions," "Send an Instant Message" and then "Other." Type the email address of the individual you wish to block and click "OK." Press the "Block" button in the conversation window that opens.
It is also possible to block all anonymous messages. Click "Tools" and "Options" in MSN. Select "Privacy" and check "Only people on my Allow List can see my status and send me messages."
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