I am a Skype user. Every week or so I get a pop-up box bearing the padlock symbol, saying "Skype is trying to install a new Helper Tool" and it asks for my password. I always cancel out of it because I am wary of typing my password if I didn't initiate the interaction that asks for it.
Am I being paranoid?
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, 4 TBT3), macOS High Sierra (10.13)
Yeah, but the article only mentions threats to Windows machines. Per Microsoft Community's discussion thread, I went to Skype>Preferences>Check For Updates. An update was indeed available, and when I clicked to download, I got the "Helper Tool" request box, said a little prayer, entered my password and hit Enter. So far, so good.
But the gist of the thread over at Microsoft Communities is that Microsoft has ruined Skype, has an unsatisfactory complaint response system, and refuses to admit there even is a problem. I am not alone...
Hi Sandra,
Totally understand and can relate.
If you want to get rid of this straight away with confidence, download AdwareRemover from the App store for free. It'll knock it out and quickly.
I recommend this so much, I think the developer should offer me stock lol....
In all seriousness, it's an exceptional and credible program you can trust. 😊
Oh, I see. I read the second one in which the updater app is able to gain access to your personal info, such as the password you input, and they go from there. And, Microsoft has no plans to fix this very significant issue in Skype.
I wasn't recommending uninstalling it, and I understand how convenient it is, but I would advise that you change your password and run either AdwareRemover or Malwarebytes to check your system. I'd not chance it....I try to prevent.
Take care ~
Sandra....
You should really read Allan's article. It specifically states to not click on update as that installs protocols to invade your system and Microsoft has not released a fix yet....
I'd get on removing that asap
I read the article. All my Security settings were and are as I suggested. I am running the latest versions of High Sierra and Skype. When I do a web search for "Skype Helper Tool request malware?" I get no answers that make any sense--not even from Microsoft (which owns Skype), not even when I click on the Google link "Help! Skype keeps trying to install a new Helper Tool!" It just takes me to Microsoft's site, which does not give me an answer. I can find NO way to determine whether it is safe to enter my password when I get the above notification pop-up box.
You of course are aware that there are currently some security holes in Skype?
For more details, please read https://www.komando.com/happening-now/441640/critical-skype-security-flaw-puts-y ou-at-risk-but-microsoft-wont-fix-it
The article I read and concluded did not apply to Macs (because it mentioned only Windows) was the Komando one Allan first cited. He hadn't posted the Mac Observer one yet when I updated Skype. I do need Skype, as most of the people with whom I videocommunicate are Windows or Android users and cannot use FaceTime. Just keeping my fingers crossed for now.
Yes.
"Yes" I'm being paranoid, or "yes" this is malware???
It's hiding somewhere. Those "helper" tools are the worst 😑
Adware has absolutely nothing to do with Skype's security vulnerabilities.
I do run Malwarebytes.
The former. Skype is not malware.
Try Security Researchers Expose Skype Security Flaw Microsoft isn't Fixing - The Mac Observer
It says the flaw effect computer running macOS and linux in addition to Windows.
Skype Helper Tool pop-ups?
