Skype is as secure as we can possibly make it. When you call another person on Skype your call is very strongly encrypted, ensuring your privacy. The same is true of your shared files, chats, and video.

Are Skype downloads safe?

Skype, when downloaded either through the Skype client or the Skype website, does not contain any spyware or malware. When you receive file transfers, however, you should be sure that you trust the person sharing the file with you, and that your anti-virus and security software is up-to-date.

To learn more about staying safe on Skype, please visit our Security Center.

Are my personal details safe?

All profile data in the public directory is digitally signed to prevent any tampering.

How can I stay secure when using Skype?

To get the latest on staying secure while using Skype, including information on:

• Online Safety
• Privacy and Security
• Spyware and adware
• Encryption

What is Skype doing to combat spam?

Like any other communications software, Skype has a small minority of users who abuse the software. To deal with people who send unsolicited messages, we have a number of ongoing anti-spam initiatives, focused around three areas:

• Prevention: working behind the scenes to make it harder for spammers to send messages
• Reaction: making it easier to report spam, and fine-tuning the way we deal with those reports
• Identification: making it easier to identify messages from unfamiliar users.

We took the step of hiding the incoming contact request avatar in contact requests by default as this resolves the issue causing the most concern for our users - graphic spam.

We provide privacy tools to reduce the amount of unwanted chats and calls that a user might receive. Skype also has a series of easy steps for users to follow to stay safe when making calls.

If a user receives a nuisance call when using Skype, the simplest thing to do is to avoid the call. We recommend that users only accept calls from people already in their contact lists. Skype has an easy to set up screening feature in the Skype > Privacy menu.

Skype continues to investigate SPAM and SPIM (unsolicited messages that take the form of chat messages) as a high priority. We are constantly reviewing our software architecture to find new ways to ensure users are protected from unwanted communications. SPIM control is a growing area of research, not only for Skype but for the online communications industry as a whole. Consequently, we continue to develop and test innovative solutions to improve the quality of the Skype experience.

Does Skype sell my details to third parties?

Finally, Skype never sells your registration details to third parties.