How Safe Is Skype?
Skype is a popular VoIP (Voice over Internet) provider that enables customers to connect to each other via the Internet, using their broadband connection and a touchtone telephone. As it has grown in scope, there have been questions raised about how secure it might be.
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An Inexpensive Way to Communicate
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If you're calling another Skype user in Scotland and you're in Los Angeles, there is no charge because you're not using the telephone system---you're using the Internet.
Security Issues
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Tom Newton, a product manager at a United Kingdoms-based software security firm, compared Skype to "VoIP on steroids," pointing out that it can go through the network defenses that many companies use for security purposes.
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Skype and Worms
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As Skype operates on a P2P platform, it would seem easy to transmit worms via Skype. With Skype, it is almost impossible for a worm or Trojan program to "sneak" past you, especially when used in conjunction with an antivirus application.
Skype and Outside Monitoring
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Skype can be used by outside sources for monitoring communications, usually at the request of government officials. It cannot, however, be used for monitoring by private companies.
Peace of Mind
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If you're security-conscious, you might want to think twice about using Skype. If you're just using it as a way of staying in touch with family and friends, you've probably got nothing to worry about.
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