Skype Configuration for University Community Users

The following guidelines must be followed to protect machines from becoming supernodes on the University’s network. The steps are:

1. Inform your Local IT Support staff (LITSS) that you wish to install the Skype application on your computer. Your LITSS must ensure that your local area network is adequately firewalled to protect the network.

2. During installation you must turn off Skype’s auto start feature. This is detailed below in “Initial Installation Guidelines” and “Configuring existing Skype Installation”

3. Install personal security software on your computer. Outlined in “Security Software Installation”

Initial Installation Guidelines

The following installation steps are to be followed when installing Skype. These steps will prevent a machine becoming a supernode.

1. Download latest version of Skype from www.skype.com (A new window will open for your convience, this will allow you to switch between the skype window and these installation procedures)

1. Run the Skype setup wizard.

a. After you have ticked the "Read and understood License agreement" box, select the "options" button.

b. UNTICK the "Start Skype when the computer starts" checkbox.

If you do not do this Skype will always be running in the background.

Note: If Skype runs in the background all the time there is a very high probability your machine will become a supernode.

1. Complete the Skype Install.

1. After you get a username and sign-in here are some tips to preventing your machine becoming a supernode and minimising its security risks:

a. Close Skype when you are finished using it.

Skype is one of those programs that minimises to the system tray (icons along the bottom right hand corner of your screen) when you close the window, but keeps running in the background. To actually close Skype you must right click the system tray icon and select 'quit'.

b. Only open Skype when you are going to use it.

Skype is a security risk (because its use of encrypted tunnelling prevents virus protection) and the longer it is left running the greater the potential for your machine to become compromised or infected.

Configuring Existing Skype Installation

The following configuration steps are suggested for already existing Skype installations. These steps will help prevent a machine becoming a supernode.

1. With Skype open and logged in. Go to “Tools” Menu -> “Options …”

2. A window will open. Click on the “Advanced” Tab on the left.

3. At top of window there will be a check box marked “Start Skype when I start windows”. UNCHECK this box.

4. Click the save button in the bottom right hand corner of the window.

5. Here are some tips to preventing your machine becoming a supernode and minimising its security risk:

a. Close Skype when you are finished using it.

Skype is one of those programs that minimises to the system tray (icons along the bottom right hand corner of your screen) when you close the window, but keeps running in the background. To actually close Skype you must right click the system tray icon and select 'quit'.

b. Only open Skype when you are going to use it.

Skype is a security risk (because its use of encrypted tunnelling prevents virus protection) and the longer it is left running the greater the potential for your machine to become compromised or infected.

Security Software Installation

All the below links will open a new window to the security.anu.edu.au page

It is suggested that users follow the security information on http://security.anu.edu.au/tips/, specifically in relation to Skype:

• Install an anti-virus product (Sophos can be downloaded for free by staff and students from http://security.anu.edu.au/sophosinfo/).
• Keep your computer up-to-date with automatic software updates and patches. See http://security.anu.edu.au/sus/.

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