Be Aware while use Skype

If you are a user of the messaging software Skype, you know that you can see the location of your contacts in the Skype interface. What you probably do not know is that there is currently a way to display a Skype user’s remote and local IP address as well.

A script has been uploaded to Github that offers these options. According to the page, it can be used to lookup IP addresses of online Skype accounts, and return both the remote and the local IP of that account on a website.

This blog post reveals how the script works. It basically starts an add a Skype contact request but does not complete it. The log file will display the local and remote IP of that Skype user, even if the user is not added to the list of contacts in Skype.

The script is for instance available on this site. Just enter the user name of a Skype user, fill out the captcha, and click the search button to initiate the lookup. You will receive the user’s remote IP and port, as well as the local IP and port.

This works only if the Skype user is online at the time of the lookup, and not if the user is offline. The IP address can reveal the user’s country of origin, and maybe even the town or district. This can be done with the help of tools such as this one. Just enter a public IP address in the form, and you will receive information about the provider of the IP address.
You can also use a tool like IP on Map to display the real world location of an IP address on a map.

Some Skype users may not see this as a problem at all, as the IP address does not reveal a user’s name or street address for instance. The IP address can however lead to those information, for instance in a lawsuit.

There is currently no way of protecting yourself against the lookup of the IP address, other than not logging in to Skype when the software is not needed. The only other option would be the use of a virtual private network or proxy to hide the IP address from users who look it up. (via Hacker News)

What’s your take on this? Do you think Microsoft / Skype should fix the issue, for instance by revealing IP addresses only after confirmation by the new contact in Skype?

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Skype Tips and Tricks

Skype is one of the world famous VoIP software which offers a Voice as well as video communication. The Time is the limiting factor which influences various activities. Here are some Techniques to save time in Skype.
1. Create a group call or chat

Simply drag and drop contacts into an existing conversation window to start a group call or group chat.

2. Share contacts

To share a contact with a friend, drag and drop it into the chat box.

3. One-click message editing

Want to revise your last message? Just right-click to get the edit option in the drop-down menu.

4. Enter a new line in a conversation

Simply press CTRL + ENTER to add a new line to a conversation without clicking your mouse.

5. Share files and photos

Simply drag and drop the file into the chat box when using IM or on a call.

6. Call or chat with Facebook friends

From Skype home, roll over a friend’s status update to select one of the call or text options.

7. Emoticon shortcuts
Use shortcuts to enter your favourite emoticons without clicking the menu. Hover over an emoticon to see how to quickly type and add it to a message.

8. Answer a call

Press ALT + PageUp to answer a call.

9. Share your screen in a video call

Simply click the prompt to let the person you’re calling view your screen from their computer.

10. Answer a call with video

Type CTRL + ALT + PageDown to answer a call with video.

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Microsoft buying Skype for $8.5 Billion

The software giant, Microsoft has bought Skype for $8.5 billion, in all cash deal.

The agreement has now been approved by the boards of directors of both Microsoft and Skype.

Skype will become a new business division within Microsoft, and chief exec Tony Bates will assume the title of president of the Microsoft Skype Division, reporting directly to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

Skype has been up for sale for some time. eBay and Silver Lake Partners, previous share holders of Skype have been getting nervous about the delayed initial public offering and have been pushing for a sale of Skype.

Facebook and Google were also in the list to acquire Skype, but Microsoft, though a late applicant, has now taken it.

Skype gives Microsoft a boost in the enterprise collaboration market, thanks to Skype’s voice, video and sharing capabilities, especially when competing with Cisco and Google.
It gives Microsoft a working relationship with carriers, many of them looking to partner with Skype as they start to transition to LTE-based networks.
It would give them a must-have application/service that can help with the adoption of the future versions of Windows Mobile operating system.
However, the biggest reason for Microsoft to buy Skype is Windows Phone 7 (Mobile OS) and Nokia. The software giant needs a competitive offering to Google Voice and Apple’s emerging communication platform, Facetime.
The purchase also provides Microsoft with a wealth of p2p and collaboration technology expertise and intellectual property, an increasingly important asset to have these days.
It also brings reach: Skype’s user base is comparable to that of Facebook in terms of size (more than 600 million registered users).

It may be pre-predictions but Microsoft has got one big tool in his hand now and surely the competitors must be thinking what is coming next? The integration of Skype in the later version of Windows will surely make Google and Facebook to feel the heat.

Whatsoever is the output, Microsoft seems to be back in the battle with Google Voice, while Facebook still stands at the other end.

Skype app in my android phone

when I started Skype app in my android phone, It denied logging in & come up with a security message that said “Skype android app is facing security Bug , So backup your data ASAP.” So, I started digging in to the issue and found out that this unsecured app was their from October 2010 in the Android marketplace. 

What exactly was the security flaw? 

Skype app was storing a data in to unsecured & unencrypted format. And any other app can access data from that android phone. Personal data that includes all contacts, messages, Chat data, call histories & even your Skype credit. It was like everything inside Skype was pretty vulnerable.
AndroidPolice.com has first noticed this issue & tried to access the data from other app & they succeeded the attempt. Instantly they wrote a blog post saying Skype is facing serious security issue. It spread all over web instantly & Skype said they will work on it ASAP.

Security Update for Skype App is Now Available For Downloading 

They worked out pretty faster & last day they released this security update for android app. Now company stated on blog that the user personal data is well secured & requested to download the android app only form the android marketplace or Skype official website.

Security bugs in apps for android & iPhone are not new these days as before some days Pandora app was also affected by some kind of bug that exposes user data. So, keep your all apps updated, specially on android smartphones. Because Andorid OS not as stable as iOS offered by Apple.