Share this article
Latest news
With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low
Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app
Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities
Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount
Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier
Skype accounts are getting hacked, and it’s a problem
3 min. read
Published onNovember 8, 2016
published onNovember 8, 2016
Share this article
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Hundreds ofSkypeaccounts have been hacked and it didn’t just happen overnight. Thanks to a tip sent by one of our readers, we’ve found that users have been reporting messages from hacked accounts since August. Users say that they have received multipleBaidu linksfrom their friends’ accounts, even if they didn’t send it themselves. This includes those that have Microsoft’s two-factor authentication security measure in place.
So what is the hack exactly? For those users that linked their Skype accounts to Microsoft accounts, the former Skype password is still activated. This leaves a security hole that can be used to break into your account and use it as you would. But it isn’t a breach in Skype security according to a statement to The Verge.
“Some Skype customers have reported their accounts being used to send spam,” says a Microsoft spokesperson in a statement toThe Verge. “There is no breach of Skype security, instead we believe criminals are using username and password combinations obtained illegally to see if they exist on Skype. We continue to take steps to harden the login process and recommend customersupdate their Skype account to a Microsoft accountto benefit from added protections such as two-factor authentication.”
The Verge also reached out to an anonymous Microsoft employee whom also got their Skype account compromised. The solution, they pointed out, was to shirk the former Skype account password and opt for a Skype alias. Haven’t heard of the setting? No, neither had most people. The feature is hidden and not publicized even towards the users that have been repeatedly reporting the hacking.
Here’s how to secure your Skype account:
Once the two accounts are properly merged, Microsoft creates a Skype alias to let you keep signing in with a Skype username. You can continue using this or disable it under thealiases preferences, to ensure nobody can try to sign in with your Skype username. Either way, you won’t be able to use your old Skype password anymore, and attackers will have to know the email address associated with your account.
Hopefully, Microsoft’s attempts to integrate Skype with their accounts won’t cause troubles as we look forward to the newMicrosoft Teamsapplication with built-in Skype chat, video, and voice. Let us know if this solution worked for you.
Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).
For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.
Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Radu Tyrsina
