Care before clicking

kw: worms, malware

There probably isn't any communications software that is totally secure. The current warning is about Skype Instant Messaging. See this CNET article. Just in case you are wary, that link is supposed to contain

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57528353-83/worm-spreading-on-skype-im-installs-ransomware/

The upshot is this: A worm is being spread by a link contained in a Skype IM text. It installes "ransomware" on your computer, and you soon get a demand for a few hundred dollars to "unlock" your files, or they will be erased.

I don't know about you, but I use Skype only for video chatting with family members and a very few friends in distant places. My family and I never use its IM feature. Now it sounds like a convenience that is a bit too risky anyway!

The Skype people are recommending that we all get the most recent version. That is easy to do: with Skype running, open Help and click Check for Updates. Then follow directions.