Skype: Why we should not be using it.

[starwarp2000]

That 1.com article is almost 7 years old.

So is the Skype code base: 9 years old 

[ArMaP]

So is the Skype code base: 9 years old 

Does that mean that the problems found years ago were not solved?

[starwarp2000]

Does that mean that the problems found years ago were not solved?

They aren't problems from the Skype point of view, just program 'features'.
It all works as planned. It's only because someone found it that is is known. Now that Microsoft has purchased Skype, you will never know if it has been 'fixed'. 

[ArMaP]

They aren't problems from the Skype point of view, just program 'features'.

I'm not Skype.

Now that Microsoft has purchased Skype, you will never know if it has been 'fixed'. 

Why, isn't it possible to repeat the same steps to try to reach the same result?

[starwarp2000]

I'm not Skype.
Why, isn't it possible to repeat the same steps to try to reach the same result?

Good question!
I personally have only run Packet Tracing (Wireshark) to watch it contact the Skype servers every 1 minute. This occurs even when you aren't on Skype, as a Skype service (Hidden) is running all the time.
If that isn't enough to warrant not using the program then nothing will stop you. 
If i have the time, i might investigate further, but don't count on it 

[zorgon]

Well since the NSA, DIA, CIA, FBI, IOA, ONI and maybe a dozen more have a direct line to my house   I suppose it's only marketers I have to worry about

[starwarp2000]

Well since the NSA, DIA, CIA, FBI, IOA, ONI and maybe a dozen more have a direct line to my house   I suppose it's only marketers I have to worry about

Unless you view the above Letter Agencies as product peddlers. Selling the 'old' revolutionary product that 'removes' the stain of 'freedom' from humanity. 

[ArMaP]

I personally have only run Packet Tracing (Wireshark) to watch it contact the Skype servers every 1 minute. This occurs even when you aren't on Skype, as a Skype service (Hidden) is running all the time.
If that isn't enough to warrant not using the program then nothing will stop you. 

That depends on two things:
1 - what do you mean by "hidden";
2 - the gravity of any possible future finding about Skype.

I have been known to change when presented with facts.

[starwarp2000]

That depends on two things:
1 - what do you mean by "hidden";
2 - the gravity of any possible future finding about Skype.

I have been known to change when presented with facts.

1 - 'Hidden': as in not listed as a running service by Windows (also called a 'deamon' in Unix). Wireshark plugins allow listing of all running processes, including hidden ones, and this is the only way to know they are running.

2 - The gravity would be dependent on the particular person involved. I personally have 'research' and code on my computer that i do not want to allow some 'third party' unauthorized access to. Each person will decide to what extent they are happy to allow any violation of their privacy.

The jist is, it is getting to the point where there is no choice. Either give up your freedoms or suffer the consequences of the law.

[ArMaP]

1 - 'Hidden': as in not listed as a running service by Windows (also called a 'deamon' in Unix). Wireshark plugins allow listing of all running processes, including hidden ones, and this is the only way to know they are running.

Do you remember the name of that service?

[deuem]

I think every single program I have calls home to mommy. My internet connection is on 24/7 and the firewall has to have holes to let many of these programs run. I am sure every computer is full of holes. If a person/company has any secret details they wish never to be taken through an internet connection of any type. The simple solution is to cut the cord. I never understood why some of these very important places are internet connected. At one place I worked, we had an email machine. The rest of the computers were not on line. You would have to go to that room to get on line. Those computers had no cther connection but internet, No CD, No USB, no portable drives. Nothing. Just you and the machine.

[starwarp2000]

Do you remember the name of that service?

Not off the top of my head, no.
I can remember it had a serial number name like 145D3421 or similiar.

You might try this link: http://www.oklabs.net/skype-reverse-engineering-genesis/

[starwarp2000]

I think every single program I have calls home to mommy.

Even if they do, they should document this as a selectable feature, not a hidden one.

If a person/company has any secret details they wish never to be taken through an internet connection of any type. The simple solution is to cut the cord. I never understood why some of these very important places are internet connected.

Naturally! What we are talking about is the right to use the Web without the risk of loss of property. They enforce laws for hackers but companies are allowed to run rampant.

At one place I worked, we had an email machine. The rest of the computers were not on line. You would have to go to that room to get on line. Those computers had no cther connection but internet, No CD, No USB, no portable drives. Nothing. Just you and the machine.

I did the same once 

[ArMaP]

Not off the top of my head, no.
I can remember it had a serial number name like 145D3421 or similiar.

You might try this link: http://www.oklabs.net/skype-reverse-engineering-genesis/

Thanks, I will look into it.