McDowell and data retention... should we worry?

[barrym]

This is quite bizarre - from

http://www.voip-news-net.com/skype/index.html

"The high proliferation of SkypeTM clients, their strong encryption for Internet voice calls and their ability to circumvent firewall systems cause various problems.
Among them are a significantly increased traffic volume, potential interference with other applications and the violation of national legislation for traffic monitoring and interception.
Furthermore, SkypeTM clients in company networks pose a security threat. This makes the VoIP module an interesting option for company network operators, Internet service providers and national carriers"

The module referred to is a device to detect Skype calls!!

Note the end of the second sentence....

When you see this sort of stuff you realise that the Directive will have no effect whatsoever in doing what it is designed for, preventing terrorism. Already terrorists (and all sorts of other baddies like drug dealers) use all sorts of tricks to avoid detection of their calls. VOIP is just another method for them to hide.

Mc D is wasting his time...

Bye, Barry

[ibis]

..."circumvent" firewalls?
Heavens, firewalls can't tell the application that's communicating?

..."a security threat in company networks"
Perhaps because they have strong encryption?

..."significantly increased traffic volume"
Compared to what? Music downloads? Big images? Chain emails? Last time I looked, Skype used about 16K per channel, although I'm open to corrrection.

A friend has just got a broadband connection, and been told that he can't use Skype over it (for operational reasons). Operational reasons my ass - the company has a VOIP product of their own they're rolling out. It would be less infuriating if it weren't that they actually have to specifically block it.

[barrym]

..."circumvent" firewalls?
Heavens, firewalls can't tell the application that's communicating?

apparently not if it is Skype... I'm not techie enough to know why...


A friend has just got a broadband connection, and been told that he can't use Skype over it (for operational reasons). Operational reasons my ass - the company has a VOIP product of their own they're rolling out. It would be less infuriating if it weren't that they actually have to specifically block it.

What a load of rubbish.....Are they actually blocking Skype calls?? How?

A long time ago I worked on a network development with the 'old' PTTs as they were called, the monopoly suppliers. When we pointed out that we could bypass telex by having terminal to terminal connection they blanched and said "we'll ban that sort of traffic" - which of course they couldn't. This ban you mention reminds me of it...

Anyway, it all shows that data retention is a waste of time...

Bye, Barry

[ibis]

Now you mention it, the friend hasn't checked whether it can actually be used, so it's possible they're just making it part of the terms and conditions, or even just telling you and hoping you won't check...

My firewall (software) certainly knows whether it is Skype communicating out, or connected out.