How safe is Skype (for Mac)?

Question

Level 1

2 points

How safe is Skype (for Mac)?

Are there any security concerns that I should be worried about? I'll be using it to communicate with people i don't know in real life. Can I be hacked in any way over the line? Also, are there settings to prevent the webcam from accidentally being used?

Moreover, I also read that a while ago, there was an exploit in Skype, specifically for Mac, that made it 'wormable'. Surely this has been fixed?

So, is the App and especially, Skyping completely safe, providing I don't click on any links that are sent?

Thanks!

Posted on Dec 14, 2013 6:43 PM

Reply

Answer 1

andyBall_uk

Level 7

20,516 points

Dec 14, 2013 7:06 PM in response to Appple User

I don't know of any security issues with it - you can choose not to let it access your Mac contacts, and disable auto-updates if you prefer. There are privacy options as shown below.

Reply

Answer 2

Dec 14, 2013 7:11 PM in response to Appple User

Skype has become a bit of the industry standard.

Yes it Mac safe proven itself over the years as reliable video chat long before FaceTime.

Reply

Answer 3

Appple User Author

Level 1

2 points

Dec 15, 2013 8:10 AM in response to andyBall_uk

Thanks although just searching for an answer on a Google search, a lot of horror stories pop up.

What is a DDOS attack and could any of my data be compromised as a result of this? Also, do I need to do anything to my ports to protect me?

Thanks.

Reply

Answer 4

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Dec 15, 2013 8:15 AM in response to Appple User

A denial of service attack (DDOS) will not allow Skype (or anything else on your Mac) to be hacked, don't believe Internet nonsense without some verification.

Reply

Answer 5

andyBall_uk

Level 7

20,516 points

Dec 15, 2013 8:51 AM in response to Appple User

>>a lot of horror stories pop up...

If you could link to any where Skype on a Mac is involved (other than phishing or 'hey. download this cool software' from strangers), then it'd be news to most here.

Reply

Answer 6

Appple User Author

Level 1

2 points

Dec 15, 2013 11:03 AM in response to Csound1

Okay thanks, so resetting my Mac will reverse the effects of any DDOS attack?

And one final thing: do I need to do anything with my ports to protect myself further? Don't really know much about ports.

Thanks a lot.

And this is the article that had me concerned about the app itself, although this happened a couple of years ago:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/227382/skypes_dangerous_exploit_what_you_need_to_ know.html

Reply

Answer 7

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Dec 15, 2013 11:06 AM in response to Appple User

Appple User wrote:

Okay thanks, so resetting my Mac will reverse the effects of any DDOS attack?

DDOS attacks take place against websites, forget about it.

Appple User wrote:

Okay thanks, so resetting my Mac will reverse the effects of any DDOS attack?

And one final thing: do I need to do anything with my ports to protect myself further? Don't really know much about ports.

Thanks a lot.

No, just turn your Routers firewall on. (although it is probably already on)

You do not need to fiddle with your Macs firewall, it is off and that is fine because you are behind the Routers firewall.

Reply

Answer 8

Appple User Author

Level 1

2 points

Dec 15, 2013 12:10 PM in response to Csound1

Thanks a lot for the help. You've basically solved my question.

Just an additional thing though that I came across right now; should I be worried about any of the things written in this article:

http://krebsonsecurity.com/2013/03/privacy-101-skype-leaks-your-location/

Thanks again.

Reply

Answer 9

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Dec 15, 2013 12:28 PM in response to Appple User

Frankly if you are this concerned about your privacy I suggest that you only communicate with others in person and eschew all forms of electronic communications. Your cellphone is easier to hack than your Mac, especially if it is an Android phone.

Good luck.

Reply