PDF of this tutorialWith advanced presence awareness and related privacy issues, security becomes an important factor in IM. Users need to be assured that their personal information stored on network servers is not readily accessible by others who do not have permission to view it. Security is also crucial for business use of messaging systems. Some companies have had to stop employees from using free Web-based IM services for business communications because of lack of security. IM provided a quick and easy way for employees to communicate and collaborate, but these systems were not secure and could not be used for conveying confidential company information.
If IM is going to become accepted as a business communications tool, messaging systems will have to comply with current standards for security. Security of RSA level or higher is essential. Most current IM services, particularly those offered for free on the Web, are entirely insecure. Some messaging providers have even dedicated themselves to hacking their competitors' systems.
