How to Protect Your Internet Chat

Did you know that your chat could be monitored? Why would some people want to see what your typing to another on the Internet? Most people who we consider as hackers do not hack necessarily to steal info that is only part of it. They do it because they can. In this article I discuss how to protect yourself from those who pry.

The most important thing you can do for your computer on a weekly basis is to keep spyware and malaware off your computer. If you have ever heard of what a keylogger is. Its a piece of software we call malaware its job is to gather what you type and send it to the person who is intercepting it. Not only can they steal your user names and passwords they can steal all kinds of information even what you chat with another person. So, the most important thing is to keep these pieces of software off your computer.

It is very important for you to have a good anti-spyware program and sue it regularly. There are free options on the Internet that are very good and don't cost you a dime. Also, make sure to take advantage of Microsoft's Windows Defender. Its free and watches what is installed on your computer. It won't catch everything thats why its good to have another good anti-spyware program or two.

Another thing you can do is to use instant messenger encryption. This will only work if both sides are using it. So, if you want your chat to be better protected you can use the free encryption that is offered for Yahoo and MSN. There is also one for AIM too. Both parties have to be using it and you cannot have any spyware or malaware on your computer. If you do the keylogger will intercept the info before it is encrypted and send it to the one who is prying.

Those who chat in a corporate environment will want to use the professional corporate version. Although that one is not free but it will protect any sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.

There is proprietary instant messenger service with encryption already built in. You could also go this route if you want worry free chat environment. No matter which one you choose its important to guard yourself and your computer. Programs are getting more and more sophisticated to steal our information and disrupt our lives.

With more and more evidence of identity theft its important that we do not leave one stone unturned when protecting our computers. One maintenance you should never forget and that is to keep spyware and viruses off your computer.

Only you can protect yourself no one else will do it for you.