Skype hides IP addresses to protect users from online trolls
- 8 years ago
Skype is adding a new default security feature primarily to protect gamers from their overheated rivals.
The Microsoft-owned service recently announced it would start hiding users’ IP addresses by default in the latest update to Skype.
Previously, a Skype user’s IP address was not hidden, meaning hackers who knew what to look for could easily obtain your IP address and thus target your computer.
The issue of discovering IP addresses via Skype has been known for several years.
Researchers had discovered vulnerabilities allowing hackers to obtain someone’s IP address via Skype as far back as 2010.
But it wasn’t until 2012 that reports about obtaining a Skype user’s IP address grabbed public attention.
The Microsoft-owned service recently announced it would start hiding users’ IP addresses by default in the latest update to Skype.
Previously, a Skype user’s IP address was not hidden, meaning hackers who knew what to look for could easily obtain your IP address and thus target your computer.
The issue of discovering IP addresses via Skype has been known for several years.
Researchers had discovered vulnerabilities allowing hackers to obtain someone’s IP address via Skype as far back as 2010.
But it wasn’t until 2012 that reports about obtaining a Skype user’s IP address grabbed public attention.