Skype Chat May Carry Worms

Be careful using Skype to get in touch when traveling. You might get a worm instead.

I've been a regular Skype user - free phone calls from a computer - well, that's my thing. But if you use Skype's chat function, you may be opening your laptop to some virulent computer worms.

According to Websense (see link above for full article), "the worm sends messages via Skype Chat, an instant-messenging tool. The messages ask recipients to download and run a file called sp.exe."

I have not used Skype chat myself. I've only used their phone call function. So I don't feel really scared about the worm - consider this a public service announcement in case you do.

In fact, I haven't even used Skype at all in this brave new year of 2007, since I suspect there is now a fee involved. I really should go check this out. At least I have my sucky cellphone for communication while traveling.