Office Netiquette: Instant Messaging
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Avoid Talking About Confidential Information: "When you're instant messaging, always be aware that you're on an unsecured line," says Richie Fusco, an office manager for a securities firm. "I'm always careful not to discuss confidential or sensitive information over an instant message, because it's just too easy for pirates to hack into old conversation logs. And I always make sure that my virus and spyware protection is up to date."
Follow Company Policy: "Make sure you know your company's IM policies, if there are any," cautions Bergund. "Many companies, particularly companies in which large numbers of people in different locations have to coordinate their activities, understand that instant messaging is a great interoffice tool. But I've also worked at companies that really frowned on it." Find out if your company has applicable rules and adhere to them. And if a company policy doesn't exist, use common sense, and don't push the envelope
