Windows Live Messenger blocks links in instant messages to help protect your computer from online threats.
The primary threats Microsoft aims to protect you from are phishing and malware.

What is phishing?

Phishing is an online scam to steal your identity. Phishing scams try to get your credit card numbers, Windows Live IDs, other account data, and passwords.
A phishing Instant Message (IM) might look like it's from a friend and include a link to a Web site. The link might look like it goes to a real site, but really takes you to a spoofed or fake Web site where a criminal can steal your identity.

To help avoid phishing scams:

Don't click links in IMs. Type URLs directly into your browser or use bookmarks.
Don't trust the sender information in an IM or an e-mail message.

What is malware?

Malware is short for malicious software. It refers to any software that is designed to cause damage to a computer, server, or network.
Viruses, spyware, worms, and Trojans are examples of malware.
If you click on links in IMs that are disguised as funny images, audio, or video files, you might expose your computer to malware.

Malware can:

Corrupt data.
Slow down your computer.
Use your e-mail program to spread itself to other computers.
Erase everything on your hard disk.

To help avoid malware

Never open attachments or click links in IMs unless you were expecting them.
Always use antivirus software and keep it updated.

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Online Safety

Help avoid phishing and malware with Windows Live Messenger

What is phishing?

To help avoid phishing scams:

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What is malware?

To help avoid malware

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