Is Skype Safe?

[Jaysive]

I've been hearing from a friend that Skype is not safe.
He says Skype reveals your IP address and someone can hack you if you have Skype downloaded.
He also states that the person hacking you, does not even need to be in your contact lists.

I'd like to hear your opinion on this and give me a reason why Skype is or isn't safe.

 

[Laptop65]

Well, it's not really hard to get a person's IP off anything. I mean, MSN, Skype, or some other kind of messaging service, you can get a person's IP off it if you know what you're doing.

As for Skype, unless a person sends you a virus file and you open it, there's really nothing they can do. Don't open any files from people you don't know, and make sure you have a secure password + computer. All they can do with your IP is flood it, which essentially slows your Internet down a bit. However, you can just ring up your ISP (Internet Service Provider), explain the situation have just have them change it.

Provided you have a bit of common sense when using Skype, you can't go wrong.

 

[Jaysive]

Interesting, my friend claims if the person has your IP, he can access your documents, photos, videos on your PC.

He also mentioned with that information, he can hack your runescape account, or other games that are secure.

 

[Laptop65]

Nope, all you can do with an IP is flood it, you can't send a virus or something to it and it will appear on your computer on the other end.

And, if your files contain stuff like your RS password and stuff, then yes they can get on your game accounts. Another, more common way would be to insert a keylogger onto your PC, and just record your keystrokes off that.

Again, provided you have good Anti virus (Kaspersky is good), and only download files via Skype from people you know and trust, then you'll be fine.

 

[metalwii]

Anyone can get your IP but other than that yeah its safe

 

[GodGenesis]

Skype is safe. Just do not accept any malicious files or run any Java drive-by when they post a link on Skype.

 

[Imagine]

Skype is safe to an extent - there are vulnerabilities that an experienced hacker would be able to use to hack you. However, the chances of that happening are slim to none, so I'd consider it safe.

 

[Sebastian Vael]

Isn't really safe as with all other messaging systems, you can get anyone's IP if you have them in your friend list on skype, they can't do much with the IP though, just DDOS you.