IM software and security

phoenix

phoenix

New member
Last week those of us at work with Windows Messenger Live/MSN Messenger or Googletalk had said software removed from our PCs. The reason given was
that they pose security risks.

Is there anything I can do to plug such security leaks on my home PC or am I better off simply not installing GoogleTalk or Live at all?
 
Last edited:
The Joker said:
Security risk...lol no way dude. Impossible!!
Click to expand...

Of course theres a security risk, IM applications use different ports to web browsing. Just while being online through those ports opens up the company to malware/viruses/hackers... It takes a click of a dodgy link to take down the firewall.

To answer OP's question, you have nothing valuable they (read: hackers, malicious users) would want so to speak. Companies spend thousands of bucks on security software

If you're dead sure on protecting your home pc, buy Zone Alarm
 
The only way to be safe from hacks and viruses, is to unplug your pc from the internet...

TBO, I don't run an antivirus, firewall or any of those sh!t, cause it slows down my pc. :D

I just stay away from the pron and other sites...
 
just use msn webmessenger then.... save u the hassle of picking up viruses and all that :rolleyes:
 
SharkBait said:
The only way to be safe from hacks and viruses, is to unplug your pc from the internet...

TBO, I don't run an antivirus, firewall or any of those sh!t, cause it slows down my pc. :D

I just stay away from the pron and other sites...
Click to expand...

Eish, that's risky. I'd much rather let something I never notice is there, like BitDefender or Panda run in the background just in case. They use hardly any resources. As they say - prevention is better than cure. Numerous times I've plugged in flash disks that were infested with viruses from being plugged into infected computers. Tis not only the internets where you can get it from! Even some store-bought software has embedded viruses in it sometimes (of course, not purposefully).
 
i think you can send files over msn, so its maybe what they are referring too.

googletalk is also blocked here at work, but just open gmail, and you can chat through the website or thats how i sdo it
 
Gmail and any other form of internet email has also been blocked.
Internet at work has pretty much been locked down except for a few sites.
 
phoenix said:
Gmail and any other form of internet email has also been blocked.
Internet at work has pretty much been locked down except for a few sites.
Click to expand...

Same here... :(

Although, I can modify the proxy to allow me where to browse, my boss controls the logs :(
 
phoenix said:
Gmail and any other form of internet email has also been blocked.
Internet at work has pretty much been locked down except for a few sites.
Click to expand...

I found that internet access is granted, carte blanche.

Then the Admins get all pissy when the bandwidth is overrun with FaceBook, Porn and a myriad of other nasties.

Internet access is an educational process, phased in over months of user education. Only then does it become a tool.
 
Anyone going anywhere near pronography at work would get in some serious hot water.

It wasn't the system administrator who got upset about our clogged line, it was management who got involved. Our clients use our line, so they must get first preference.We used to be able to go online during lunch and tea breaks but that has
been prohibited and our internet activity monitored via Censornet. Then they put the printout of a summary of everyone's internet usage up on the noticeboard. Name 'em and shame 'em. I am not likely to be at the bottom at the list any time soon as I need to get to certain websites to look for tenders. I was 4th on the list last month.
Some people are still trying to use Facebook and Youtube, but I don't see that continuing for much longer.
 
phoenix said:
our internet activity monitored via Censornet. Then they put the printout of a summary of everyone's internet usage up on the noticeboard. Name 'em and shame '
Click to expand...

Hahahah - I know of a company that did the same thing.
The fight for No1 spot on the list got fierce and the whole thing became a joke :D
 
I am our "admin" at work. I leave some obvious +1 site addresses in my IE browsing history. The boss doesn't know what firefox is yet :D

Having said that, with a bunch of chicks/car guards joining our company I've had to put a full block on Facebrick, n3ws24, bl0gspot, etc. (names edited otherwise my router blocks this post :p )
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top