Skype Supernodes- A security threat

Most of you guys have been using Skype for making calls locally or internationally but how many of you know that if you are a skype user, your computer is used as a Supernode for connecting a VOIP calls?

I am sure most of you know. Interestingly, Yahoo and Skype was sued in China for using Supernodes. They were sued as Malware program. Kinda funny but true.

What are Supernodes?

Remember a P2P program widely used and a big hit about couple years back, yes you got it right Kazaa. Kazaa uses supernodes to connect to its peers and share bandwidth for searches or downloads. Supernodes, however helpful but a controversial technology.

The Skype Story

Skype used to have supernodes as a part of their TOS on their website. Later after controversy, renamed it to a more confusing and ambigious statement to avoid law suits.

Issues with Supernodes

In using an application that uses supernodes, like Skype or Kazaa, you open your computer up for other users to use your resources--including your memory, cpu and network bandwidth. So without you even talking to or sharing files with anyone else, other people's communications can be relayed through your computer, using it for their communications. This results in a slower computing experience for the user, less internet bandwidth for the user, and a potential security threat as the supernodes have allowed access by these external parties.

Now to get rid of those supernodes, you prolly have to stop using Skype which you might not do. But remember to safeguard yourself. VOIP viruses might be round the corner and you can expect such attacks against popular networks such as Skype.

If you want to ensure that you not attacked, check out VOIPCheap Or try Jajah.

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