Since yesterday evening, the users of Skype for Windows who installed the EXTRAS features, have started to receive software automatically.
The software comes from EasyBits Media, a company from Oslo, Norway.
The Skype users have started to complain yesterday afternoon and the drama seems to continue, without Skype officials to comment on this. The entire thread is here: http://forum.skype.com/index.php?showtopic=821491&st=0
A user writes in the Forum:
I clicked “deny” when skype asked for permission to install this on my computer, but it still went ahead and installed anyway. Can somebody from Skype confirm ASAP if this is a virus which has gotten into the Skype network or if this is something they have pushed out with a very dubious installer. Not impressed.
One and a half hours later, the user called EasyBitsMedia has posted a copy/paste from their website mentioned above:
EasyBits Media is dedicated to providing a world class Game channel to the expanding global Skype community.
In 2006, in collaboration with Skype, EasyBits Media created the Skype Extras framework – one of the world’s first ever Apps store.
Skype Extras are Apps that allow users to extend Skype functionality. For example, our Skype Extra is called “Play Games” which is bundled with the Skype client for Windows and installed on over 100 million PCs. It allows users to play a host of free classic and cutting edge games with friends and family through Skype.
Over 30% of Skype Extras users play games. Given the popularity of our Skype Game channel, EasyBits Media is currently expanding this service by launching the GO Games platform which will add more features and games to satisfy the growing demand of our gaming community!
To learn more, please visit http://www.easybitsmedia.com
Currently, it is unknown if this software is malicious or not.
Apparently, an uninstallation is not possible, according to the affected users and here .
On the website of EasyBits Media, there is a link to an uninstaller of EasyGames Pro: http://www.easybitsmedia.com/support/RemoveGO.exe
However, how good it is can’t be estimated at this time.
I will update here if there is something new.
© Copyright 2011 Sorin Mustaca, All rights Reserved. Written For: Sorin Mustaca on Cybersecurity
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http://blogs.skype.com/garage/2011/05/easybits_update_disabled_for_s.html
The software is provided by our partner EasyBits, and is part of the Skype Extras Manager. The Extras Manager has been included in Windows releases of our software since 2006. This latest update from EasyBits included elements of their desktop games organizer in error, but it neither installs nor un-installs correctly. This update has been disabled while we work with them to correct the problems and user experience.
Skype works closely with its partners to ensure that our users receive the best possible Skype experience and is working with EasyBits to ensure this issue does not happen again.