Why is windows live messenger so prone to viruses?

[SamH182]

Hi I was just wondering why is windows live messenger able to let viruses in so easily?
I mean I have loads of people sending me messages saying "click this link",accept these dirty pictures when they are 1kb size!
People are stupid,first time it happens not really your fault but to fall for it 2nd and 3rd time and more,like I've seen people do.
Is Ridicilous.

[dev]

"wlm" is prone to viruses because the majority of users have less intelligence than a monkey. wlm itself isn't any more prone to viruses than any other IM service, just more people have it so its targetted more, and with the intelligence of some people using it, viruses spread earier.

[SamH182]

I see so it is protected aswell as other IM Clients but hackers tend to target wlm because of the high usage by people.

[cimt]

Originally Posted by SamH182

I see so it is protected aswell as other IM Clients but hackers tend to target wlm because of the high usage by people.

Well done. You only get a virus if you're stupid enough to click stuff like "omg look I found pictures of you naked on the internet". Or if it's a .zip file and someone is saying it's you. It's stupid.

[PeteTheMusicGuy]

Just dont accept files on MSN thats what I do

[waynetaylor1982]

Instant messaging applications are not built with security in mind. The software is made easy to use for a number of reasons, particularly as the number of people that use them are no computer savvy.

The best thing to remember at all times is firstly.

1. Don't trust anyone on the internet, not even yourself
2. Do not accept any file downloads that you did not request
3. Do not accept any file downloads that are .zip, .exe or any other executable program e.g. .com
4. Always have a virus scanner installed that is compliant with your instant messaging solution e.g. MSN, there is plenty on the market that support this.

Hope these tips help