Skype - Free Secure Internet Phone Calls

[Irishgeek]

Skype is a great application..!!!

Cheapest way for doing long distance calls (Ireland). I have not used the encrypted features yet...will have to give it a try.

[George W. Maschke]

Ten years ago, I suggested using Skype for "free secure Internet phone calls." I'd like to make clear that I no longer suggest doing that and would advise against it. Documents disclosed last year by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden reveal that Skype (now owned by Microsoft) has been an NSA PRISM-partner, facilitating the surveillance of its customers, since 6 February 2011.

Recently, Tor developer Jacob Appelbaum, whose opinion I respect, posted on Twitter: "Remember: Never use Skype":

https://twitter.com/ioerror/status/545078471639461889

In a reply, I mentioned to him that whenever possible, I use Jitsi instead, but that at times, when Jitsi won't connect, Skype can be useful (bearing in mind that it is monitored).

He replied to me: "Don't even have Skype installed on your systems. Seriously. Just stop."

I asked for any risk mitigation tips for those who for practical reasons must at times use Skype. Appelbaum replied, "Here is how you mitigate Skype risks: stop using it":

https://twitter.com/georgemaschke/status/545085536646737921