SurfControl has released a product to protect corporate
networks against threats caused by adoption of the IP telephony
system Skype.
SurfControl’s upgrade for its Enterprise Threat Shield (ETS) can
be configured to stop users downloading Skype from its host site,
control unauthorised Skype usage and detect and remove current
versions within a corporate network.
Although IP telephony offers cost savings, luring organisations
to adopt Skype and other free IP communication systems,
vulnerabilities that abound in the technology are targeting
corporate users, and putting networks at risk.
SurfControl admitted that Skype is very popular on corporate
networks, but added although the software was “brilliant”, some IT
departments do not want to risk having the application residing on
their networks. SurfControl’s ETS facility can grant Skype access
to some authorised individuals, but the same threats will still be
present.
Organisations have a choice: use Skype and dramatically cut
communications costs, or ignore it and stay secure. If you’re
responsible for keeping the business running, which one would you
choose?