AIM Encryption

[manicchester]

Hey all,

I'm sure most of you are aware of one of the newest added functions of AIM is the ability to add an encryption to your messages when chatting. My question is, has anyone had the chance to use this feature? Do both users have to obtain a digital certificate to successfully use the encryption feature? It's only 15 dollars per year I believe for it, but I haven't had the extra cash (being a poor college student) to put down the money for it. Let me know of any opinions of the add on. Thanks for the time.

[eccentrik]

You don't have to pay for the encryption but you do have to run a script in it. I did this a few months ago but the encryption I used screwed up my AIM and I had to reinstall it.

[pooh sun tzu]

I have been using AIM encryption since trillian .74, and am amazed real AIM is just now doing it, and charging for it. I am not sure how AIM official works, but here is how trillian (free) works:

1. An encryption method is running on an ssl 128 bit connection

2. Both parties generate their own signatures automagically and trade when accepted.

3. Even if it still goes through the AIM servers, it goes still encrypted and unreadable to their eyes, and only decryptable to the trillian client.


http://www.trillian.cc

I don't know if you have heard of this before, but it is an IRC, aim, msn, yahoo, and icq client all wrapped into a small executable (5meg memory size with all running) while including plugins, skins, and features that aim and advanced MSN are only now coming up with. They do offer both a paid client and a free client, the main difference being memory management and a few extra features in the paid. Nothing major. I have been using it since .6 and have loved it so much I have purchased both trillian 1, and then donated out of my heart to feel happy about using trillian 2.

Who needs to spend $15 when a free encryption client exists? (or kazaa, for 1 and 2 versions)

[manicchester]

Thanks for the info. Yeah, I've been aware of Trillian and it's uses...I would use it except I'm only an AIM user, so the multiple accounts don't really appeal to me. The thing is with AIM is that if you are paying the extra 15 per year you get the 1024 bit encryption which is more secure and private. So the question is, does anyone use it regularly, or think it's a worthwhile investment?

[pooh sun tzu]

I say no it isn't worth it, and to use trillian instead Not trying to sound like a salesman, but I only use it just for AIM too, because #1 it is spyware/adware free and it uses a lot less RAM than AIM. If you look into it, even compare it to aim, I will bake you cookies right here and now.

[manicchester]

Haha....thanks pooh, I'll have to look into it again...anything that uses less of my RAM sounds nice to me. And so do cookies....

[pak]

I prefer Gaim with its encryption plugin. You can generate 512-4096 bit keys to share and can be found here @ http://gaim-encryption.sourceforge.net/ for free.

You can also use a free certificate for AIM found here @ http://www.aimencrypt.com/

[pooh sun tzu]

I 2nd gaim, as long as it is the true UNIX version and not the windows port. Since the windows port + running the gtk emulator it hogs up 20 - 25 megs of RAM... making baby jesus cry. So as long as people stick to the native gaim, I am 100% supporting it and baking it cookies. Oh, yes, now that I remember.

-bakes manicchester cookies and milk-

[yanksfan]

I don't know if you guys saw this before, but try this site:

http://www.aimencrypt.com/

[manicchester]

Originally posted here by pak
I prefer Gaim with its encryption plugin. You can generate 512-4096 bit keys to share and can be found here @ http://gaim-encryption.sourceforge.net/ for free.

You can also use a free certificate for AIM found here @ http://www.aimencrypt.com/

Thanks for the info there, but looks like pak beat you to it.