Interesting Fact
MSN Messenger uses a proprietary protocol, and custom filters (also against instant messaging spam) as well as secure messaging.

Danger
You cannot secure a clear text communication which is what Instant Messaging sends out.

Tip
Encourage more education in the area of legal and illegal online activities, through the provision of informative pamphlets or handbooks written for youth.

Inspirational Use
Teenagers should manage their Internet Usage.Equip them with good time management skills.

Case Study
Cyber Crooks Sending Fake Messages to MSN Users
As per a recent security news, users of MSN Messenger (also known as Windows Live Messenger) are increasingly getting disturbing spam Instant Messaging (IM) from buddies and friends.It has been found that people who send this message sign in to forward the chat request but instantly log out after sending the message, disappointing situation for a message recipient. While some users get IM during chat, others receive it when they are offline.
Generally, a user gets a URL (link location) to click on sometimes with a message and sometimes without a message. If a user follows the link, he is diverted to a phishing website that could be highly malicious and could contain exploit. Possibility of infection to MSN messenger with bot, virus, spyware, Trojan, keylogger, worm etc also increases substantially.The analysis of fake IM by security experts has revealed that it is a technique to steal username and password of the message recipient.