It might seem like a no-brainer to use free instant messaging services. All businesses want to cut costs where ever possible. And if you use a public messenger, you get a lot of the benefits of instant messaging without having to pay for them -- benefits like fast and easy communication with other employees, collaborators, and clients. Instant messaging is just so much more efficient than trying to arrange face to face meetings all the time or even making a phone call.

The problem with many public instant messengers is that they are not secure. They don't encrypt messages or files sent over the IM server, which means hackers can view the information. Also, since files can be sent through an instant messenger, viruses have access to the user's entire computer. Here are several threats involved in not having secure instant messaging.

Threat #1: Worms
Worms are a form of virus that can cause small to large problems alike. Unlike viruses, worms can enter your computer without a human action, such as opening a file. Worms can also multiply once inside your computer and send themselves out to those on your contact lists.

Threat #2: Trojans
The Trojan horse is a file or application that seems innocent, but once the unsuspecting person opens it, the Trojan gains access to the victim's computer. Once the Trojan is inside, the hacker has access to the person's entire computer, including files and saved passwords.

Threat #3: Sniffers
Network sniffers are programs that hackers use to find information. They can find and view any information that is not encrypted. Using sniffers, hackers can view entire IM conversations as well as any files transferred over the IM server, or saved message logs.

Threat #4: Impersonation
Once hackers have access to your computer through a Trojan horse program, they can use your information and passwords to impersonate you on the instant messenger. They can contact people on your buddy list and try to get information from those people, who think they are talking to you.

The overall threat is that sensitive company and client information can be leaked if you are not using secure instant messaging. In addition, company computers can be damaged or destroyed by viruses or worms sent over the public IM server.

So yes, secure instant messaging is necessary. There are several enterprise instant messengers that can provide secure instant messaging. Enterprise messengers encrypt all messages and files sent over the IM server; they also save and encrypt message logs. Additionally, enterprise instant messengers allow the administration to restrict IM to authorized users only, which means hackers just don't have access.