Is SKYPE safe?

[Osaban]

I've been recently using this amazing software to 'phone' other computers around the world, and it works: You can talk for hours free to another skype computer without any problems.

In terms of security and privacy is it a hazard to have it on your system?

What are your thoughts about it? Any particular precautions one should take when using it?

[Osaban]

I'm sorry I've just realized that the topic has been dealt with going through a forum search.

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,
Do you need an answer or no?
Mrk

[Osaban]

To tell the truth, the other thread was about SKYPE's eula, and from experience I know that if you have to read all the small print about downloading a program it's probably better to unplug your computer to be on the safe side.

My question is what are the odds of some cracker using SKYPE to enter your private spheres and steal info. Yes I'd like an answer to that.

Hi Osaban,

I use Skype too. SSM found Skype wanting a low level keyboard access.
I'm not sure what's that about. I just posted on SSM forum asking for advice.

Now I'm not sure using skype. I like to know is it safe to use.

[Climenole]

Hi :-)

Skype is built around the idea of "security from obscurity" : it used a proprietary protocol and used many PCs as "Super Peer" to relay the VoIP traffic...

For this reason (and many others) Skype was banned from many public institutions and enterprises...

You have to know that the Skype protocol was cracked recently by a chinese search team... If they can do this it's also possible that others can do the same things but this time for other reason than "knowledge"...

See this article (and the subsequent about this subject):
http://www.voipwiki.com/blog/?p=16

Skype is funny but don't expect security with this software.
If you have to talk about confidential things don't do it with this...
(IMHO)
;-)

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,
Getting cracked - not high unless you click on links from unknown users or such, but this applies for just about any messenger.
It does try to hook keyboard - for shortcuts and such - but you can simply deny it, and it won't be able to exercise this functionality.
Otherwise, it works OK, does not phone home etc ...
Mrk

[ronjor]

Skype Call Traced

Kobi Alexander fled the United States ten days ago. He was tracked down in Sri Lanka via a Skype call:

Bruce Schneier

may consider Wengophone as an alternative. If you use firefox there is an extension (which I use)

[tlu]

Originally Posted by Climenole

Hi :-)

Skype is built around the idea of "security from obscurity" : it used a proprietary protocol and used many PCs as "Super Peer" to relay the VoIP traffic...

For this reason (and many others) Skype was banned from many public institutions and enterprises...

You have to know that the Skype protocol was cracked recently by a chinese search team... If they can do this it's also possible that others can do the same things but this time for other reason than "knowledge"...

See this article (and the subsequent about this subject):
http://www.voipwiki.com/blog/?p=16

Skype is funny but don't expect security with this software.
If you have to talk about confidential things don't do it with this...
(IMHO)
;-)

Another very intersting reading is http://www.secdev.org/conf/skype_BHEU06.pdf . It goes very much into programming details but the summary is understandable also for non-programmers - and I'd say: It's rather disturbing ...

[Climenole]

Hi tlu

Thank you for this information.
Have a nice day.

[iNsuRRecTioN]

Hey,

this report also says, that the encryption part (AES 256) is done right and well.

So since everything is encrypted in Skype (call, file transfer, chat) you should be safe..

best regards,

iNsuRRecTiON