Hole in VoIP software fixed – Skype
Skype has now upgraded its software to fix a major hole that has cased a problem with use of the the widely popular internet-based voice communication system. From the original article:
Peer-to-peer phone company Skype has updated its Internet telephony software, patching a critical flaw in its client for Microsoft Windows-based systems. The vulnerability could allow attackers to take control of a Skype user’s PC after the victim clicks on a specially created URL, security information provider Secunia said Monday. By including a long string of characters in the link, the attacker could trigger a memory error known as a buffer overflow that could then be exploited to run a program. Skype acknowledged the security hole in its release notes for the update. “We became aware of a security threat late last week and moved to correct it… We encourage users to download the latest version.”
This is good news to Skype users who have been dependent on the software for communication purposes. From leisurely chats to business calls and conference calls and even online learning, Skype is well known for it’s stability and reliability compared to other communication systems. This new fix ensures enhanced security for users in whatever business they are using Skype for and keeps the system free on any unwanted intruders.
Skype boasts that 34 million people around the world have downloaded their software, and as many as 1 million people at a single given time use the application simultaneously. PC to PC calls are free with Skype, with small charges for calls to mobile phones and landline phones.
March 19th, 2009 at 11:31 am
[...] users now have less to worry about, as the telecommunications company has patched a critical flaw in the [...]