Security In Skype A Prime Concern

VoIP software like Skype is more popular than ever before. Its ease of use, economical way of communication and document sharing capability has added to its advantage. People have started using it in their homes. And it is slowly entering into their work environment as well.

This brings in a big security risk.

To start with, Skype’s communication protocol is closely guarded and this could lead to all sort of security issues. Confidential documents can be transmitted without an ability to track, malware could be created that could screw up the internal security.

Last week Akonix, a firm dealing with security software for Skype announced its L7 Skype Manager, which monitors and manages Skype use over corporate networks. This software will let you block Skype completely or allow it’s use in certain areas of your network. It keeps track of traffic by IP address.

The Georgia Tech Information Security Center (GTISC) has recently entered into partnership with BellSouth and ISS to evaluate the risks related to security.

GTISC principal investigator and director Mustaque Ahamad said:

At GTISC, we feel strongly that security should not be an after-thought with VoIP. By partnering with proven industry leaders ISS and BellSouth, GTISC will be able to lead the research efforts necessary to better understand VoIP threats and explore techniques that are well suited for securing VoIP devices, protocols and services.