Skype lets hackers track your BitTorrent downloads
2011-10-21 09:39 by Daniela
Tags: Skype, BitTorrent
Security researchers have revealed vulnerability in VoIP application Skype that could allow an attacker to identify a person, track their location and monitor their filesharing habits. The study focused on how a Skype user's IP address can be determined without that user knowing, and then linking that same IP address to files that are being shared through peer-to-peer networks such as BitTorrent. "We have shown that it is possible for an attacker, with modest resources, to determine the current IP address of identified and targeted Skype user[s] (if the user is currently active)," the 14-page paper stated. "In the case of Skype, even if the targeted user is behind a NAT, the attacker can determine the user's public IP address. Such an attack could be used for many malicious purposes, including observing a person's mobility or linking the identity of a person to his internet usage." In response, Adrian Asher, chief information security officer in Microsoft's Skype division, said: "We value the privacy of our users and are committed to making our products as secure as possible. Just as with typical internet communications software, Skype users who are connected may be able to determine each other's IP address. Through research and development, we will continue to make advances in this area and improvements to our software." Read more -here-
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