They seem harmless to the user, but various chat services also harbor dangers that you should be aware of!
Chat groups of any kind come with various problems!
However, for many people it is natural to exchange ideas via chat groups. However, they are often not aware that they are disclosing sensitive personal data. It is therefore important to have clear rules about what can be written in the chat. It should also be determined how chat members treat each other fairly.
All chat members should be aware that their own number in the group chat is visible to all participants and therefore everyone has access to it.
Children also have the right to their own image.
However, chat members often share pictures of joint activities without first clarifying whether this is okay for those pictured. If photos are sent in the group, those photographed must have given their consent beforehand.
But why is this all so dangerous?
Most people already suspect it: chat functions are not necessarily free of security gaps.
It also depends on how and which service you use to chat, because instant messaging systems in particular usually place more value on functionality and ease of use than on security.
All of the additional functions naturally offer more points of attack than purely text-based chat systems.
So what else could put yourself in danger while chatting?
Missing encryption
In almost all systems, messages are not sent directly from a user's computer or mobile devices to the target person, but first from a user over the public Internet to an intermediary computer and from there to the recipient.
In most cases, communication is not encrypted and the messages can be read by other people (e.g. the administrators of the switching computer).
Distribution of malware
By transferring files via the IN THEsystems can spread viruses, worms and Trojan horses.
Use of scripts
Most common IM systems provide scripting capabilities that allow users to write scripts to control various functions in the messaging client.
This is used, for example, to contact other users, change program settings and carry out other actions.
Although this function is practical, it is also a real paradise for computer pests.
Dozens of script-based IM worms are already known.
Faking user accounts
The management of access passwords is often not secured.
Anyone who manages to crack the access passwords can fake their identity.
This is not a problem for professionals.
Complexity of the programs
Like all other Internet applications, IM systems can have flaws that can be exploited by attackers via the Internet.
The range of attacks ranges from injected manipulated data packets to direct access by attackers to the user's end devices.
Protective measures
With this range of risks, there is only one thing that helps: protect yourself properly!
- For example, with virus protection software and a personal firewall.
If you receive infected files via the chat, these protect against the spread of the malware. The firewall also protects against potential attacks. - Patches are made available for instant messaging software
- automatic acceptance of files by deactivating this function! Files should generally only be able to be downloaded after a security query.
- DO NOT open unknown data attachments !
This also applies to known senders . If data attachments are to be sent, you should discuss the sending beforehand, because sender addresses can also be forged!
Result:
Better safe than sorry!
If you want to enjoy carefree chatting, you should think about protective measures in advance.
So if you know what can happen and what you are dealing with, you can better prepare for it and keep a cool head in an emergency.
Sources: Federal and state police crime prevention , Federal Office for Information Security
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