Are Instant Messengers Safe?If you would like to use an instant messenger for notification of emails, then you have probably wondered if they are any security issues with this.
By instant messenger, I am talking about MSN, Yahoo or AOL IM. The three most popular in US. Each of these 3 are maintained by 3 different companies, and use 3 different protocols in
way they processes your messages across
internet. Currently, there is no security flaws in
3 protocols, and if one is found, it is quickly patched, because all 3 companies have enough money to deploy a fast fix solution. So keep your instant messenger as up to date as possible.
Now, that you your instant messenger is up to date, lets examine
problem at hand. Security-wise, is it okay to setup new e-mail notification with instant messenger. In my opinion it is okay. Actual content is not being sent. It is only a notification (couple of header packets) that e-mail has arrived onto
pop server waiting to be downloaded or viewed.