AIM
is known to not have the best security, or any for that matter. If someone
on your network is using a "packet sniffer" or other type of
traffic analyzing tool they can see your AIM conversations and read them
word for word. AIM Security using SSL Certificates makes your conversation
appear much like trash to anyone analyzing what you type much like "Sw43jg73js7HSkg8Skeq3k65"
instead of "Hello Friend". This certificate encodes the message
so only the sender and the receiver can read the message. But still please
use common sense and don't send credit card numbers, etc. over IM, this
should only make you about "this" much
safer on the internet, and make you feel cool having a padlock next to
your name.
Q. I use the new AIM Triton v1.0+ I don't see any place for security?
A. AIM Triton does not currently support encrypting conversations, download AIM v5.9 from AOL here.
Will this affect any
program I currently run?
An AIM Encrypt
security certificate will NOT interfere with any program you currently have
running with AIM, most log managing programs are not affected.
How do I get a FREE
Security Certificate from AIMEncrypt.com ?
AIMEncrypt.com Certificates are totally free for both personal and commercial use
** Version 5 has EXPIRED June 22, 2007, UPGRADE to v6 Below **
- READ ALL OF THE
DIRECTIONS OR YOUR ENCRYPTION CERTIFICATE WILL NOT WORK
- Download
and be running AIM v5.2 - v5.9 (not Triton)
- Download
AIM Encrypt signed certificates in a zip file for AIM HERE.
Save the zip file in My Documents.
(DO NOT use the OPEN feature in IE)
- Unzip
both of the files to your computer, in a place you will know how to
get to. My Documents is easiest. (*no you cannot run them from
the zip.) If you have Windows XP open/double click AIMEncrypt_com-v6.zip
and drag the files into My Documents [you may delete these after installing].
- Go into the folder
you downloaded the files to (ex: My Documents),
double click on the file with the .crt extension (1-AIMEncrypt_com-v6.crt).
- On the dialog that
opens up, click Install Certificate.
- Click Next on any
following dialog box.
- Click Finish on
the last dialog box.
- It should say "The
import was successful" click OK.
- Click OK on the
remaining box titled "Certificate."
- In your buddy list,
go to My AIM > Edit Options > Edit Preferences.
- On the Category
list on the side, select Security (it is the last one on the list).
- Click the Advanced
button.
- Click the Import
button under "Import a certificate."
- Make sure "Files
of type:" is PKCS12 (*.p12)
- Browse to where
you saved to two files (ex: My Documents), and select the .p12 file
listed (2-AIMEncrypt_com-v6.p12), and click Open.
- When it asks for
a "security" password, leave both fields blank and press OK.
[you may not get this if you are upgrading]
- When it asks for
the password of the certificate, enter "al6jsAIMEncrypt6kSmv"
without the quotes.
- Make sure the box
is checked next to "This certificate can identify mail users."
and press OK.
- Click OK on all
dialogs that come up, until you see one that says Certificate successfully
imported, click OK on that one too.
- Press OK on any
remaining dialogs so you return to AIM.
- Exit and re-start
AIM.
Visit AIMAwayMessages.com for
Everything AIM and more!
FAQ
Q. Error: Importing
a certificate failed because of unknown reasons
A. If you are upgrading from a previous version of AIM Encrypt uninstall all previous versions:
Exit AIM completely. Open AIM but DO NOT SIGN ON, click Setup, Scroll down to Security, Click "Advanced", and under Reset Certificiate click "Reset". Now Exit AIM completly. Start AIM. Then follow the standard certificate import process.
Advanced Solution #1 :
a) Show Hidden Files MUST be on. Open "My Computer", Click Tools > Folder Options > View > SELECT "Show hidden files and folders".
b) Exit AIM completely. On any Windows 2000/XP computer, go to C:\Documents and Settings\[Your Windows Login]\Application Data\Aim\[random letters]\[Screen Name]. In this directory you should find three files: cert8.db, key3.db, and Security.INI. Delete these three files, and restart AIM. Then follow the standard certificate import process.
Q. I use the new AIM Triton v1.0+ I don't see any place for security?
A. AIM Triton does not currently support encrypting conversations, you can download AIM v5.9 from AOL here.
Q. My friend doesn't have
a security certificate are our conversations encrypted?
A. No. Both users must be running AIM v5.2+ and have security
certificates.
Q. What happens if
I forgot the "security password" or didn't make one and now it
is asking me for one?
A. If you are currently logged into AIM follow the un-install directions
in the last Q/A.
If you are trying to login and it says invalid
Security Password delete your ScreenName from the AIM Signon Screen,
Close AIM. Restart AIM and re-add your ScreenName. You will need to
re-install the AIM Encrypt certificate, pay attention to step 17 and
do not enter a "security password."
Uninstall all previous versions.
Q. I use Linked Screen
Names, can I have encryption on both?
A. Linked Screen names only allows the screen name you signed on with to
have encryption. You can use a program called RemoteAway to "Clone
AIM" which
allows for two+ instances of AIM to be running. You can now sign on with
two names and have encryption on both.
Q. When I chat to someone
else that has a security certificate not from AIMEncrypt it says "warning
un-trusted certificate" does this mean I'm not secure?
A. *Note the security certificate we have posted here is "Self Signed"
which just means we/you have not paid some company to "sign"
it for us. It will still provide you security, but of course if you want
the maximal security you should purchase a signed certificate somewhere.
There are two security keys in this certificate one is posted on this
site and would normally be different for every person, thus removing one
layer of security. But normal person will not be able to crack what you
are saying, but maybe a hacker with too much time on their hands might
be able to? (*let us know if you have too much time on your hands and
have cracked the encryption)
Q. What was the security password for AIMEncrypt v5?
A. "sw5etAIMEncrypt5Jbvz" without quotes
Q. What was the security password for AIMEncrypt v3?
A. "w8mAIMEncrypt4osw4et" without quotes
Q. What was the security password for AIMEncrypt v4?
A. "es4wtAIMEncrypt4sTiYu" without quotes
Q. What was the security password for AIMEncrypt v3?
A. "w8mAIMEncrypt4osw4et" without quotes
Q. What was the security
password for AIMEncrypt v2?
A. "28gyjh4Sw8lshgs5nt" without quotes
Q. What was the security
password for AIMEncrypt v1?
A. "g8dJ82kjfjq32h" without quotes
Q. How do I un-install
the AIM Encrypt Certificate?
A. Follow the directions below exactly or it will not work.
- In your buddy list,
go to My AIM > Edit Options > Edit Preferences.
- On the Category
list on the side, select Security (it is the last one on the list).
- Click the Advanced
button.
- Click Reset...
under "Reset Certificate" Press Yes to Reset Certificate
- Press Ok, and EXIT
AIM COMPLETLY. Re-run AIM and you will not have security anymore.
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