I didn't know which forum topic to pick so since my question pertains to security, her it is.

I want to use MG, am I opening up myself to any new viral threats having a phone connection alive all the time?

I follow your security update protocol suggestions religiously. Do I need to add or know ANYTHING different if I add this capability?

To use it, it requires I Explorer browser open; does my windows firewall protect me? Should I use COMODO free or am I just over reacting?

Thanx for your advice.



Hello, your comment has been removed. Please do not post malware advice, or post here in the malware forum, unless you need help. ~ DragonMaster JayFound a few things.

http://www.ripoffreport.com/Computer-Fraud/Magic-Jack/magic-jack-warning-dont-buy-in-4cgcb.htm

http://www.wptv.com/content/investigative/story/Contact-5-Investigation-Magic-Jack/veK8V79B6Uefvc7oedLWTA.cspx

I also found positive reviews from a few trusted sources so it might be a case of having to see for yourself.I think the positive reviews out way the negative.

My question is; by using 'MJ' does it pose any new personal security risks to me as a web connection by using it?

Is my PC vulnerable because MJ is connected? Of course MJ itself could be hacked. Is it the firewall that protects the user?

Thanks.

T It looks like the main problem people have is that they didn't have enough money in their bank accounts when the company made an authorization. Whenever considering a service, especially one that uses your credit card or bank account, it is important to check their FAQ's. And the MagicJack site does indeed say that they will likely place a hold on your account, so make sure you have the funds available. If you're not satisfied with the product, you can ship it back before the trial is over and the hold will be removed. The money is not actually processed until after the trial (and if you have decided to keep it).

As far as I know, there shouldn't be any security CONCERNS with using a product like this. At least no more than any other wireless connection. You should, however, be aware of their advertising policy:

Quote

11. Advertisements
You also understand and agree that use of the magicJack device and Software will include advertisements. Advertisements will be served through the magicPage™ Software or the magicJack softphone - the software/softphone attempts to serve local advertisements and classifieds using a completely automated process that enables us to effectively target dynamically changing content. Our computers may analyze the phone numbers you call and your registration information in order to improve the relevance of the ads. We do not provide any personal information to our advertisers or third parties. magicJack has a policy of restricting advertisers that it believes are INAPPROPRIATE, but it does not guarantee the accuracy or integrity of any advertisers and does not endorse any of the advertisements that may appear in connection with use of the magicJack device. You also understand and agree that use of the magicJack device and Software may include certain communications, such as service announcements, administrative messages and newsletters, and you will not be able to opt out of receiving them.

19. AUTOMATIC Updates
The magicJack device and/or Software may communicate with magicJack's servers to check for available updates to the Software and/or magicPage™, including bug fixes, patches, missing plug-ins and new versions (collectively, "Updates"), however magicJack has no obligation to provide you with such Updates and we do so solely at our option. Updates do not include access to the Upgraded Software described in Section 5 above. To ensure that you have the most recent Updates for the Software you should periodically visit http://www.magicJack.com to check for Updates. magicJack may send and access magicJack cookies on your computer. A "cookie" is a small file containing information about you that is sent to your computer when you visit a website. When you visit the website again, the cookie allows that site to recognize such things as your browser, user preferences and other information to optimize the performance of magicJack. During the Update process, the Software may send to magicJack or its partners a request for the latest Software version. By installing the magicJack Software, you hereby agree to allow magicJack the option to automatically provide Updates from magicJack and/or its partners' servers.

3. Internet Communications Feature
a) Incoming Calls:

When you first register, as part of the available features, you may elect to choose a unique phone number, which will allow you to receive free phone calls over the Internet. The phone number chosen will be allocated provided we determine that it is legally permissible. If you are eligible for a phone number, it will be allocated to you as soon as reasonably possible after we have received your request. YMAX Communications Corporation may be the provider of your phone number and/or inbound calls. We do not guarantee that a requested phone number can be allocated to you or that you can make use of the incoming call feature. The allocation of a phone number to you does not constitute any transfer of title, ownership, license or other rights with regard to the phone number; and the phone number is not portable to other service providers. We may, without any liability, refuse, change or terminate any phone number at anytime. If we change the phone number that has been allocated to you, we will notify you, stating the effective date of the change and your new phone number. If you do not wish to accept this new phone number, you are entitled to cancel this Agreement; however, you will not be eligible for any refund unless you terminate the Agreement within 30 days of purchase of the magicJack device and qualify for a refund as further described in Section 2 of this Agreement. We will not be liable for any damages resulting from the change of the phone number.