Questions about Skype and Avast!

[NoStress]

Hello,

"Please post any problems or comments related to Malwarebytes Anti-Malware in this forum."

I recently signed up to access this forum, and thought this would be the correct place for this type of topic, if not, I am sorry.

I want to discuss some general things which are not very clear to me. I am using MBAM Pro 1.62.0.1300, the latest version of Avast! free edition, and Skype.

The thing I noticed is, mbam is blocking connections on skype.exe, as seen in the pop-up balloon in the lower right corner. I also noticed mbam is blocking a service coming from avast. I've read about Skype being P2P, but that doesn't really 'ring a bell' to me. Could anyone explain it a bit more simple? (I've read the topics in which people refer to when people ask Skype related questions)

Basically, my question is: You can put avast as an exception for mbam, as I've read in some FAQ;

• Open Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and click on the Ignore List tab
  
• Click on the Add button on the lower left
  
• In the small browse window that opens, navigate to C:\Program Files and click once on avast software and click on OK
  
• Close Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  

Could I do this for Skype also? If yes, what is the best way to do that? (With best I mean in terms of safety).

I would like to get rid of the pop-ups about avast related processes, aswell as skype, but WITHOUT being in danger, or even at the slightest risk.

Off-topic:

@ The MBAM Admins: Are you aware that there are products keys which are re-usable, and that people spread them so that basically everyone can use them? Just something I've noticed and tested, and I would like to inform you guys.

That was all. English is not my main language but I am pretty sure you all can understand me well enough.

Best regards.

[daledoc1]

Hello and welcome to MBAM, NoStress:

The thing I noticed is, mbam is blocking connections on skype.exe, as seen in the pop-up balloon in the lower right corner. I also noticed mbam is blocking a service coming from avast. I've read about Skype being P2P, but that doesn't really 'ring a bell' to me. Could anyone explain it a bit more simple?

Could I do this for Skype also?

I don't personally use Skype or other P2P programs.

I think this topic from the Helpdesk KB explains the safest way to deal with the IP blocks you are seeing.

Rather than adding the entire Skype program to MBAM's ignore list, you will just turn off the tooltip balloon notifications about the blocks, which should have no impact on Skype's performance, but still keep you safe.

Here is the KB topic link: Why does Malwarebytes Anti-Malware block Skype?

Off-topic:

@ The MBAM Admins: Are you aware that there are products keys which are re-usable, and that people spread them so that basically everyone can use them? Just something I've noticed and tested, and I would like to inform you guys.

If you are aware of piracy of MBAM licenses, then I'm certain that the MBAM staff would very much like additional, specific information, if you have it.

Until an MBAM staffer drops in at this topic, you could either contact consumer support via >>THIS LINK<< or perhaps send a Private Message to a member of the moderating team with the details.

That was all. English is not my main language but I am pretty sure you all can understand me well enough.

Your English is just fine!

HTH and Thank you very much,

daledoc1

[NoStress]

Hey,

I kind of forgot to tell, i'm sorry for that. I'd like to keep the whole notification system MBAM has. (The pop-ups). So, whenever I disable them just to get rid of the skype and avast process, I disable the pop-ups for things that actually ARE malicious aswell.

Basically if I disable the notification completely, how would I know if there's actually something blocked apart from checking the log-file? I'd rather keep the pop-up thing, and only disable notifications for Skype and Avast, is there a way to do that?

On a side note, I've sent a private message to one of the administrators regarding the license piracy.

Thanks for the reply!

Best regards.

[daledoc1]

Hi:

Off the top of my head, I don't think you can turn off the IP block notifications for an entire program without adding it to the ignore list.

I'm not an expert, but I don't think that would be advisable for Skype.

It would be safer to follow the recommendations in that KB topic to turn off the tooltip balloon notifications.

Yes, you will still be able to see the blocks in the MBAM protection log.

As far as what you are seeing with MBAM appearing to block your Avast! anti-virus, this Helpdesk KB article explains what you are seeing: Why is Malwarebytes Anti-Malware blocking my antivirus?

(The reason for adding MBAM to the Avast! ignore list (and vice versa) is really to minimize the chance of any performance issues by having both MBAM and Avast! running in real-time. So, it is appropriate to tell MBAM to "ignore" Avast! (and vice versa), but it's not really b/c of IP blocking.)

Having said all of that, IP blocks CAN be a sign of infection, especially if the blocks are outgoing and if they occur when you have no open browsers.

Unless you are certain that the IP blocks you're seeing are ONLY due to Skype, you might want to read the FAQ - Section G for more detail.

AND, you might want to have a qualified malware expert take a look at your system to be sure you aren't infected.

In order to do that, please start by carefully following the instructions >>HERE<< and then starting a new topic in the malware removal section.

Thanks for reporting the piracy information.

Thanks,

daledoc1