Whether you're perusing the Web looking for the latest track to download or chatting on Messenger about the awesome weekend you've got planned, you need to be aware of the security and privacy dangers that you may come across. Take a squiz at out top 10 Messenger tips to make sure you're doing everything you can to stay safe online.
1. Never open pictures, download files, or click links in messages from people you don't know. If they come from someone you do know, confirm with the sender that the message and its attachments are trustworthy. If it's not, close the instant message.
2. Be careful when you create a screen name. Your screen name should not provide or allude to personal information. For example, use a nickname such as FootyFanSally instead of NorthSydneySally.
3. Create a barrier against unwanted instant messaging. Do not list your e-mail address in public areas (such as large Internet directories or online community profiles) or give them to strangers. If your e-mail address is easy to obtain then it can result in an increased number of spam and phishing attacks.
3. Never provide sensitive personal information, such as your credit card numbers or passwords, in an IM conversation.
4. Block unwanted messages. There are a few options to prevent you from receiving unwanted messages. You can choose to allow anyone to add you to their contact list or you can restrict your contact list to certain people. You can also choose to block all incoming messages from everyone except the people on your contact list.
5. If you decide to meet a stranger that you know only from Messenger communication, take appropriate safety precautions. For example, do not meet that person alone (take parent or a responsible friend with you) and always meet and stay in a public place, such as a cafe.
6. Be careful of what you say in your instant messages to your personal contacts while at work. Your employer might have a right to view those messages.
7. If you use a public computer, do not log on automatically. If you do, people who use that computer after you can see and use your screen name to log on.
8. Limit your contact with strangers. You never know who they really are.
9. When you're not available to receive messages, be careful how you display this information to other users. For example, you might not want everyone on your contact list to know that you're "Out to Lunch".
10.Check out our online safety hub for more tips and info to help you stay safe online.
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