DEP Security System Mistakes Skype as Malware

Telecom News Editorials Reports Glossary

9:40 am on January 17, 2006 | Category: VoIP, Web Services

Skype’s free internet telephony application has a long-standing reputation of user-friendliness and easy integration into Windows and other operating systems.

On new computers, however, which run Windows XP SP2, and use DEP-enabled Intel or AMD processors, Skype 2.0 is misread as a potential security threat. This means that to run Skype, a user must either modify the DEP exception list, or turn off the security system altogether.

This provides a barrier-to-entry for less advanced users, who might not know their way around the DEP security interface. These users might simply not bother with Skype, or worse yet, turn off the security system, and potentially expose themselves to real malware and virus threats.

In order to avoid this outcome, and defend their reputation as a user-friendly application, Skype needs to find a solution, and tweak their software to avoid setting off security alerts.

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I have heard that they will release a fixed update ASAP, so you could try to read Skype forum or ask from support about the update launch.

Comment by Waldec — January 20, 2006 #