Hacking Skype in Five Easy Steps

From time to time there are claims that someone has succeeded in hacking Skype or has been hacked, but they don't stand up to examination. There is a small exposure if Skype is used over a WiFi or cell phone connection, but otherwise it's more secure than any of the alternatives available to the general public.

Doh!

No one is going to learn how to hack Skype from a cheat sheet or have any hope of Googling up the instructions while chomping on a pizza and sucking on a coke. That said we stumbled across a back door that those in the know have been using for years.

Yes!!!

In fact Skype is almost certainly the most secure online phone service available to the general public. It's far more secure than any cell phone or a landline phone service.

Technical Mumbo Jumbo

Skype employs proprietary VPN technology and associated protocols. It's cryptographic security is highly regarded by experts. While they confirm that any form of cryptography can eventually be broken with enough resources and time, there is no significant risk in the case of Skype. Furthermore the company has steadfastly refused to release its proprietary algorithms even to law enforcement agencies.

Mafia Approved!

Probably the most impressive reference for Skype's security is the Italian Mafia. Italian police report that organized criminals dealing in arms, drugs and prostitution use Skype instead of cell phones to avoid having their calls intercepted. They have been driven to do this because of the extensive use of wiretaps in Italy.

Ex-PM Trusts It

We understand that even Silvio Berlusconi used Skype when he was Prime Minister. For what reason we can only speculate. Maybe to invite special guests along to his Bunga Bunga parties. Anyone know Silvio's personal Skype phone number?

Is it Bullet Proof?

Are there hackers targeting Skype? Yes, but Skype hacks are generally focused on Skype IM. IM is used as a transport mechanism to proliferate malware, e.g. the worm Ramex (aka. Skipi or Pykspa). By using Skype IM as a conduit they hope to siphon off data from a user's PC.

Is there a risk that your Skype conversations will be tapped? Yes, but the risk is infinitesimally small.

Go Silvio!

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