Pidgin - secure instant messaging

Pidgin is a free and open source client that lets you organise and manage your different Instant Messaging (IM) accounts using a single interface. The OTR plug-in allows for secure and authenticated communications with Pidgin.

Homepage www.pidgin.im Computer Requirements An Internet connection All Windows Versions Version used in this guide Pidgin 2.5.2 and OTR 3.2.0 License: Free and Open-Source Software

Installing Pidgin and OTR Read the brief Hands-on Guide Introduction Click the Pidgin icon below and 'Open' or 'Run' the installer. If necessary, save the installer first, then find it and doubleclick it Install OTR, using the same method, to the Pidgin directory you created above After installation, you may delete any installers that you saved to your computer Pidgin:       OTR:

How-to Booklet chapter 7. Keeping your Internet Communication Private

Level: 1: Beginner, 2: Average, 3: Intermediate, 4: Experienced, 5: Advanced

Time required to start using this tool: 30 minutes

What you will get in return:

• The ability to organise and manage some of the most popular instant messaging services through a single program
• The ability to have private and authenticated chat sessions

1.1 Things you should know about this tool before you start

Pidgin is a free and open source client that lets you organise and manage your different Instant Messaging (IM) accounts using a single interface. Before you can start using Pidgin you must have an existing IM account. For instance, if you have an email account with Gmail or Yahoo, you can use the IM service offered by that company with Pidgin. Use the login details to access your IM account through Pidgin.

Note: All users are encouraged to learn as much as possible about their instant messaging service provider's privacy and security policies.

Pidgin supports the following IM services: AIM; Google Talk; ICQ; IRC; MSN; QQ; Yahoo!; and all other IM clients running the XMPP protocol.

Pidgin does not allow communication between different IM services. For instance, if you are using Pidgin to access your Google Talk account, you won't be able to chat with a friend who is using Pidgin with his/her Yahoo chat account. However, if you use Pidgin to connect to multiple accounts, then you can chat with friends who are using any of those services. It is a good idea to use Pidgin for your instant messaging needs, as it offers more security than the alternatives, and does not come bundled with unnecessary adware or spyware.

OTR (Off-the-Record) Messaging is a plugin developed specifically for Pidgin. It allows you to chat privately and offers the following features:

• Encryption: No one else can read your instant messages.
• Authentication: You are assured the correspondent is who you think it is.
• Deniability: After the conversation, messages cannot be identified as having originated either from you or from your correspondent.
• Perfect Forward Security: If you lose control of your private keys, no previous conversation is compromised.

Note: You must first install the Pidgin software, and then install Pidgin OTR.