Skype teams up with McAfee

Internet communications company Skype has certified McAfee’s suite of anti-virus software.

McAfee Internet Security Suite 2006, McAfee VirusScan 2006 and McAfee Personal Firewall 2006 have all met Skype’s standards for security, quality and usability.

The security collaboration will mean files sent using the Skype file transfer function will be easily scanned by McAfee products adding an extra layer of protection to shared documents.

"We have over 113 million customers and we want our community to use their computers in the safest way possible, which includes having virus protection," said Kurt Sauer, Skype's chief security officer.

Skype certified McAfee products will carry the Skype certification mark on retail packaging.

McAfee Internet Security Suite 2006 prevents viruses, spyware, hackers, and 'phishing' scams that may result in lost files, identity theft, and poor PC performance. McAfee Internet Security Suite blocks unwanted junk e-mail, intrusive pop-up ads and filters unwanted or offensive Internet and e-mail content.

Skype software is built upon Public Key Infrastructure and incorporates industry standard advanced encryption technology that uses 256-bit AES, SHA-1 and RSA algorithms.