TR/Crypt.XPACK.GEN

Hi, I recently downloaded a copy of Skype 5.1 for Windows from the "official Skype website" 'skype.com' and my Avira informed me that the trojan TR/Crypt.XPACK.GEN was embedded within the installation file.

My question is, "Why is Skype seemingly deliberately installing a trojan into our computers?" Needless to say, I immediately ran a secure erase application - using 35 passes - to remove the installation file before any harm could be done.

It's disappointing to know that apparent reputable software companies are allowing malware to be embedded in their applications so our computers can be hijacked, spied on or damaged in one way or another.

Ironically, Skype's website states that no adware or spyware are downloaded.

Here is a quote from their website........."Skype protects and maintains your online security and peace of mind. This means that it will not display unwanted and intrusive advertising, or allow any malware or spyware to operate.

When you download Skype you can rest assured that that is all you'll be downloading." Yeah, right. :-D

If that is the case, then why does their installation file have the above mentioned embedded in it?

So much for security and peace of mind. LOL rolleyes

mikey1352

 

TimW;

Thank-you for your reply.

You mentioned that your guess is Avira gave a false-positive which can happen with some AV programs when they detect a change to the system; I'll point out that I had neither installed nor extracted the program, rather only downloaded the installation file directly from the official web-site - as per the recommendation of the software supplier - and Avira-Guard picked up the trojan TR/Crypt.XPACK.GEN as being embedded within the installation file. Unless I'm mistaken, changes to the system can only happen when the application is extracted and installed and not before.

Based on my experience with malware, I think that considering the trojan shows up as being embedded within the installation file - prior to opening it - then I would think twice and be wary about installing a program which may or may not install malware, especially when it needs access the internet for it to function and possibly wreak havoc.

As a friend of mine found out the hard way, it's better to be safe than sorry. He is now very sorry because his operating system was destroyed beyond repair due to other trojans being installed on his computer.

And really bad news is, he doesn't have the O.S. installation disk to reinstall Windows XP, (keeping mind Microsoft no longer support XP, they won't send out a replacement disk, I asked them last year,) as a result he's got nothing but a box of hardware, since buying a new copy of Windows or a new computer is outside his budget.

Rule of thumb? If in doubt, leave it out.

 

Thanks TimW.

I downloaded a copy of Skype from MajorGeeks as you suggested, AV-Guard didn't notice it, clearly indicating that your guarantee is rock-solid.