Presentation Transcript
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