Instant messaging tech scet

Instant Messaging

Pankaj Gamit (120423116003)

Prepared By:

Pankaj Gamit

4rd year I.TEnrollment No.120423116003

Guided By:

Prof. Hiren Vavaiya

SARVAJANIK COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Dr. R. K. Desai Road, Athwalines, Surat – 395 001, Gujarat, India

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT

What is Instant Messaging? Today, Instant Message is widely applied. By this

kind of software, people who log online can get response in a short time after sending message which is a way to real-time communication and chatting.

For most people, it is cheaper than chatting by telephone; furthermore, the newest IM software integrated data transmission, voice chatting, video conference, e-mail and so on. Some analysts call IM as “real-time e-mail.” For enterprises, IM exploits new area for web-services.


History about IM

Instant messaging predates the Internet, first appearing on multi-user operating systems like Compatible Time-Sharing System (CTSS) and Multiplexed Information and Computing Service (Multics) in the mid-1960s. Initially, some of these systems were used as notification systems for services like printing, but quickly were used to facilitate communication with other users logged in to the same machine.


Instant messaging first began to become popular in the mid 90’s following its predecessors IRC’s (internet relay chat) and MUD’s (Multi User Dungeons) footsteps. IRC is an older program, which is still in use today, which is “a small program that allowed users to communicate on hundreds of servers dedicated to just about every topic imaginable” Similarly, MUD’s is a interactive role playing chat program that allows people to communicate with each other in an interactive virtual community.


INSTANT MESSAGING AND CLIENT-SERVER COMMUNICATIONS

All IM systems employee the same basic client-server architecture. Users install instant messaging clients on their client machines—desktop computers, wireless devices, or PDAs, for example—and these clients communicate with an IM server in the messaging provider’s infrastructure to locate other users and exchange messages.


INSTANT MESSAGING AND CLIENT-SERVER COMMUNICATIONS

INSTANT MESSAGING AND ENCRYPTION

Instant messaging systems encrypt messages as they travel from the client to the server and back to the second client. This data is potentially visible to eavesdroppers anywhere along its Internet path or within the IM provider’s network. Also, popular IM systems do not encrypt peer-to-peer traffic.


Continued….


Fig 2. Basic Architecture of IM system

SECURING INSTANT MESSAGING IN YOUR CORPORATION

Instant messaging may soon become an indispensable business tool; however, the risks of using an unsecured IM platform in corporations are high. This section explores the security issues introduced with the use of corporate instant messaging and offers best practices that can help in deploying a secure IM platform.


BASICS OF IM PROTOCOLS AND FEATURES

Most of the protocols for the major IM networks are available on the Internet. Software makers have released the protocols or the protocols have been reverse-engineered.

Online user Presence availability/user mode contact/buddy list


Block list

allow list

one-to-one chat

group chat

chat room


IM USAGE

Much of the research into IM that is non-work related has been based on its use by the younger generation. This research has focused on socialization, including social presence and social interactions among users.

In addition to socialization, network- related uses of IM include event planning and project collaboration.



Fig. Average Hours Spent on IM Every Week

Recommended instant messaging client settings

For the best security, do not use any external IM system that does not employ a certified Encryption system.

Configure all IM clients so that they will accept chat requests only from users specified in Employees buddy lists. This prevents attackers from connecting to computers on the network and sending malicious code. Only those users explicitly specified by employees should be able to contact them.


Continued….. Instant Messaging Provider

AOL Instant Messenger, or AIM

Yahoo Messenger

MSN Messenger (Windows Live Messenger)

Skype

Meebo

Facebook Chat

iChat

ICQPankaj Gamit (120423116003)

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages Easy to use Real Time Fast instant Response Contact/Buddy List Controlled access View availability Online Cheaper than Phonecalls


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Disadvantages

Security risks

Message interception

Virus via file transfer

Privacy concerns


The Future of Instant Messaging

The future of instant messaging is very bright. All of the utilities described in this article continue to be updated by their owners, and IM providers continue to collaborate on allowing more interfaces between users of their services. Business users can now have virtual conferences and collaborate on projects very easily. If you have not tried IM, you're missing out on a whole new world of communication.




Engineering

Instant messaging tech scet