Detect and block the brand new beta release of the popular Internet telephony software
Leipzig, Germany, November 24, 2006 – On November 9 the brand new beta version of Skype 3.0 has been released. Experts keep emphasizing the vulnerabilities of the popular program pointing out the potential security risks. In addition, the use of Skype in a corporate network significantly increases the traffic volume thus interfering with other mission-critical applications. To help companies alleviate these risks, ipoque has immediately updated its PRX traffic managers, which are now capable to detect and – if necessary – block the latest Skype version.
Skype is a proprietary service able to penetrate firewalls, thus bearing the risk to expose a corporate network to threats from the Internet. In addition to previous vulnerabilities, there have been Skype viruses that infect the computers of the communicating parties, including e-mail programs such as Microsoft Outlook and their address books.
"Changes in the Skype 3.0 client probably have been made as an answer to detection mechanisms recently implemented by various vendors", says Klaus Degner, Chief Software Architect of ipoque. The announced stable release of this new version will attract many Skype users – both in private and business environments.
PRX Traffic Managers Able to Detect Skype 3.0
ipoque has reacted swiftly. With its PRX traffic managers, it offers a solution to detect Skype traffic in corporate networks, which can be selectively blocked if necessary. ipoque's short update cycle nearly instantly provides companies with protection against new versions of programs such as Skype to reliably shield their networks. The PRX traffic managers are able to detect and control application-specific network traffic generated by peer-to-peer file sharing, instant messaging and Voive over IP. They operate as transparent bridges and are easy to integrate in existing network infrastructures without configuration changes. Detected network traffic can be logged, prioritized, throttled or blocked. An intuitive web interface facilitates a simple administration. Based on its layer 7 deep packet inspection technology, ipoque offers its customers control over applications that are beyond the reach of legacy firewalls and undesired or even dangerous in the corporate network.
About ipoque
ipoque provides network intelligence and policy control solutions helping fixed and mobile broadband operators to better understand traffic patterns, monetize new data services and improve the quality of experience for their subscribers. Our application classification and analysis engine enables bandwidth and congestion control, prioritized quality of service delivery and detailed network visibility.
Over 200 broadband operator customers in more than 60 countries across the globe rely on ipoque's policy control solution to limit equipment and operating expenditures, increase profitability and maximize subscriber satisfaction. ipoque was founded in 2005 in Leipzig, Germany, and has become a Rohde & Schwarz company in 2011.
