Rumors that the Skype protocol has been cracked

 

The cracking of the protocol has no security repercussions for users. It means that another version of the VOIP software will be available that uses all Skype subscribers to provide Internet phone calls.

 

See the article: Skype Protocol Hacked on Tech Crunch.

 

Users of this other software will be able to place calls using the Skype network of users, but the rumors are that the other software will not have all the functionality provided by the Skype software.

 

Skype has issued a statement claiming that it's security and integrity are not affected by the new software. The Skype Website is at http://www.skype.com/. While I have no love for the Terms of Service imposed by Skype, Skype appears not to install unwanted junk on your computer; the lack of information on the cracker's software and what it installs is reason enough for me not to try it out. Time will tell.

 

On a more practical level (for eBay, the owner of Skype), the crackers work for a Chinese company, a sought-after market for both eBay and Skype. The Chines company appears to claim that this other software can block calls by detecting, mapping, and blocking the computers that are passing on the voice traffic. Cynics observe that this could completely turn Skype off for users in China. There is no claim that the encryption has been broken, meaning that the Chinese company cannot eavesdrop on Skype calls. No claims are made by the company for encryption of calls using its software - an interesting omission for Chinese users.

 

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