Can Skype hack a computer?

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  1. Bulldogs Sweety
    Posts : 21
    Windows 7 Home Premium
       New #1

    Can Skype hack a computer?


    Since this is the General Discussion section, I thought I would ask this question. The reason I am asking is that I have Skype and a Yahoo Group and I can use Skype to share my screen to help teach them or show them what to do in our software and have chats. A couple of my Yahoo Group members said that Skype does something funny to their computer (I notice that it changes my Windows settings if I have personalized them). One of my members says that her son (computer guru) said Skype hacked her computer.

    I would like more information, if possible, before encouraging more Yahoo Group members to join for chatting.

    Thank you.
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  3. Alejandro85
    Posts : 2,468
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       New #2

    I'm using it since many years and never had any problem with it, it didn't touched anything outside of itself, nor I ever heard of anyone that has those problems neither. I'm more tempted to think that there is "something else" doing those rather than Skype itself.
    How did they come to the conclusion that Skype was the problem?
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  4. Bulldogs Sweety
    Posts : 21
    Windows 7 Home Premium
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    Well, all she said was that her son (computer guru) told her that and uninstalled from her computer. I don't think she really knows and he might not have explained it further.

    I do know that my screen settings change during a "call" (not video call) and I will get a popup message in lower right corner that says something like low connection (don't remember exact wording). Doesn't seem to interfere with the call, though.
    Thank you for your input. I'll wait a bit longer to see if anyone replies before marking this solved.
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  6. Callender
    Posts : 4,776
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
       New #4

    Skype security


    Well I'm no expert on hacking. The only type of hacking that I indulge in is to try to hack my own machine for security testing purposes.

    So with my limited understanding of Skype (I last made use of it around two years ago) I'm guessing a little bit but in response to your question Can Skype hack a computer? - the answer is no. It's just sotware and I can assure you that it doesn't decide to hack anything of it's own accord.

    On the other hand use of the program could introduce vulnerabilities onto your system that could allow a hacker a certain amount of control.

    See:

    https://secunia.com/community/advisories/17305

    What really matters is issues that affect the latest patched and up to date version. Currently there are none that are known about:

    https://secunia.com/advisories/produ...dvisories_2014

    So if your Skype is patched and up to date - there's not much to worry about!
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  7. Bulldogs Sweety
    Posts : 21
    Windows 7 Home Premium
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    I appreciate your help. I admit I don't understand what I read on the links, but will check it out later. I will close this subject now. Thank you.
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  8. Bulldogs Sweety
    Posts : 21
    Windows 7 Home Premium
    Thread Starter
       New #6

    Oops didn't mean to click on unsolved. Can't find a link to Solved to click on. Sorry.
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  10. Callender
    Posts : 4,776
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
       New #7

    Check Skype and other software


    No problem!

    Here's some more information that could help you to see what software needs patching on your machine and wether it's a security risk.

    Secunia PSI is a free Software Update Checker and there are a couple of versions of it. The older version has the option to run in the background all the time or alternatively can be configured to scan whenever you want to use it.

    Screenshots from my machine:

    The first one shows that there are two end of life programs that should be removed and that there are no other insecure programs (security risk or missing updates:

    Can Skype hack a computer?-secunia-psi_1.jpg

    The second screenshot shows that when a solution is available a link will be provided to download the software:

    Can Skype hack a computer?-secunia-psi_2.jpg

    The third screenshot shows the available settings. It can be set to always run and notify the user of any problems.

    Can Skype hack a computer?-secunia-psi_settings.jpg

    Link to website:

    https://secunia.com/products/consumer/psi/sys_req/

    The Big Greendownload button is for the current version - if installed it will always be running in the background. Personally I prefer to use the older version as it can be configured to scan on demand only.

    The link for the old version is underneath the Big Greendownload button and looks like this:

    PSI 2.0
    hxxp://secunia.com/PSI2Setup.exe
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  11. HarriePateman
    Posts : 3,904
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
       New #8

    Its possible like everything is possible.

    An IPconfig would be the most common if commen.

    I shouldn't worry about it.

    Unless you have the answer to life on your machine.
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  12. ZeldaYoshi
    Posts : 29
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
       New #9

    No.Skype can't hack a computer.
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  13. HarriePateman
    Posts : 3,904
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
       New #10

    Link2804 said:
    No.Skype can't hack a computer.
    Skype can't, but the person behind it can. Never say never.

    Its an extremely low chance of it happening but it is do able.
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