The Tech Warriors Skype

Slide 1: 

Introduction to Skype Security Issues Security Features Costs Pros vs. Cons Case Studies of Companies Using Skype

Introduction to Skype : 

Introduction to Skype Skype uses VoIP technology to enable users to communicate over the internet. Skype-to-Skype calls are free, for anyone, anywhere Skype has useful business implications

Security Issues : 

Security Issues Governments cannot tap into VoIP calls as easily as they can tap into regular phone calls CALEA was introduced in 1994, imposing rules for wire tapping American VoIP companies are subject to these rules, making their network vulnerable to hackers Skype is the major exception to these rules because it is based in Europe

Security Features : 

Security Features Skype is highly encrypted, using at least 128 bit block ciphers Skype has thus far refused to provide the decryption algorithm Encryption cannot be disabled and is invisible to the user Protection against impersonation, eavesdropping, and modification of data while in transit

Costs of Using Skype in Business : 

Costs of Using Skype in Business Skype-to-Skype calling Conference calling Easy Installation Call forwarding Chat/file transfer SkypeIn™($18/ 3 months or $60/year) Relatively inexpensive calls to landlines and cell phones (cost per minute varies; $0.04 connection fee) Free

Cost-Benefit Analysis : 

Cost-Benefit Analysis MCWResearch created a cost-benefit analysis based on the savings the company would reap if 10% of the employees used Skype-to-Skype for internal business communication Monthly phone bill: $10,000 Office headcount: 400 ($10,000/30 days)/(400 users) = $.83/user/day ($.83/user/day)*(40 users) = $33.20 savings per day if 40 users use Skype only http://mcwresearch.com/archives/440

Is Worthwhile? : 

Is Worthwhile? Pros Ease of installation Highly encrypted Low cost Works behind typical network security devices Skype is popular and has a large community with over 405 million users Cons Unknown encryption algorithm Hard if not impossible to monitor what the employee is discussing Dependence on the internet Need for a headset http://information.anu.edu.au/daisy/infoservices/945.html

Case Studies : 

Case Studies Rip Curl uses Skype for video calls to bring together offices across 30 different countries Rip Curl on Skype MOO uses Skype to interview candidates for their positions, saving money on travel MOO on Skype