many EM users frequently use skype as an off-site interface to communicate with each other and stay in touch with friends. it however, like all software, has its vulnerabilities.

skype uses peer-to-peer technology to enable direct IP-based connections between users. consequently, the public IP of the user(s) are disclosed during calls made exclusively from one skype client to another.

in order to prevent skype from disclosing your IP to creepy undesirables:

NOTE: i have been told navigating to these settings are either unavailable or bound to be different for windows users. i'm doing my research as we speak.

1. open your skype application

2. navigate to your advanced settings via Skype > Preferences > Advanced

3. make sure that the option to 'Allow direct connections to my contacts only' is ticked

4. if necessary, click apply or OK to save these settings

here is what mine looks like (i am running OSX so your UI may be vastly different from mine)

FOR ADDED SECURITY

navigate to the 'Privacy' tab in that same window and make sure that you have selected 'Contacts' for the option that says 'Allow calls from' so you don't potentially place yourself at risk

happy skyping and be safe!

P.S. if any of the aforementioned information is grossly invalid or anyone has any other tips they would like to share please don't hesitate to comment or message me and i will happily amend the OP.

EDIT: i have been told that this issue has been patched over for windows users following a massive vulnerability in their security but may in fact remain an issue for OSX users. please bear that in mind.