anyone ever use this program or any other instant messaging encryption software? just wondering about the effectiveness of this type of software for those of us who spend a lot of time on unsecure wireless networks...

2/7/2007 2:42:46 PM

I used to use the built in excryption tool that AIM had with my own custom generated key from openSSH before I gave up IM. I wouldn't be on anysort of wireless network without it. You'd be suprised what kind of information your computer sends out in plain text for anyone to sniff out and read.

2/7/2007 2:45:12 PM

yea, i mean thats kind of what im worried about. its not like i discuss anything over aim that i consider confidential but ive become aware of spy programs that people, even some teachers, are using at our school and so ive started becoming more worried about how unsafe messaging programs are. and yes, i am a computer novice...

2/7/2007 2:47:24 PM

^ Without encryption, all your usernames and passwords are sent out plain text.

2/7/2007 3:27:21 PM

ok, so my question then is can i encrypt aim with these imsecure type programs, and if not, is it just best to never use a messaging program over an unsecured network?

2/7/2007 3:42:16 PM

Sadly, I can only suggest that you read the website for the software in question. I don't know its capabilities. Like I said, I've given up IM.

2/7/2007 3:49:34 PM

I used to push using encryption. However, here's what I've learned:

You may want to learn how to use the program, but no one else will. If there is ANYTHING that needs to be set (other than installing it), they will not want to look at it or use it.

It's sad, but true.

If you're talking with someone else that is security-minded, then you're lucky.

[Edited on February 7, 2007 at 5:17 PM. Reason : add]

2/7/2007 5:15:50 PM

yea, thats the way it is with this program apparently. if i talk to anyone not using it, it comes up as not encrypted, but the one guy i do know who uses the program, it comes up as encrypted. and he said he tested it against a spy program and that our conversation was the only one he couldnt see in the classroom using the program...

2/7/2007 5:21:31 PM

ssh tunnel

[Edited on February 8, 2007 at 3:28 AM. Reason : oh, you're a novice. you give up security for convenience, setup an openssh vpn if you care to.]

2/8/2007 3:26:42 AM