Malicious software disguised as Skype Defender

By Dawn Kawamoto on 19 October 2007

Tags: attack | defender | malicious | malware | skype | skype defender | trojan | voip

Skype is sounding the security alert, and users should take note before using the Internet calling service.

A Trojan horse disguised as Skype Defender, a security plug-in, is making the rounds, according to a Skype security blog.

The malicious software, which affects Windows users, steals Skype log-on and password information once the program is executed. Similar log-in credential information saved in Internet Explorer is also gleaned by the Trojan horse.

If a user installs the bogus security plug-in, a malicious "Skype Defender" confirmation window pops up and asks the user to log into his or her Skype account. After typing in the sensitive information, the user is notified that the relevant name and password were not recognized.

Users, however, can watch for a key difference between the legitimate Skype log-in window and the malicious one, security research firm F-Secure advised. A red box appears around the legitimate Skype sign-in button, F-Secure noted.

The Skype security issue may spill over to users of eBay, auction giant that now owns the VoIP service.

Like this article? Click below to send it to your mobile for free!

Borracho
04/12/2007 09:41 AM

WHAT THE **** DOES E-BAY NOT OWN.I WAS GOB SMACKED TO FIND THAT E-BAY DEDUCTED THE FEES FOR A SALE I MADE WITOUT ANY CONSENT OF ANY DESCRIPTION.IS THIS LEGAL? AND IF NOT WHICH ARM OF GOVT.DO YOU THNK WOULD HAVE THE TYPE OF CLOUT TO GIVE THOSE PRICKS A MESSAGE;TALK ABOUT HUBRIS THESE GUYS MAKE THEIR OWN RULES AS THEY GO ALONG

Report offensive content

  • Leave a comment

All fields marked with * are required

What do you think

Your e-mail will not be displayed

You must read and type the 6 chars within 0..9 and A..F

You must read and type the 6 chars.


  • iiNet to fight entertainment industry

  • Studios sue iiNet over video piracy

  • Aussie ISPs have content ambitions

  • Advertising could fund future broadband

  • Gmail gets voice, video chat

  • Oi!: Internode gets Chumby

  • 50 significant moments from internet history

  • Freshtel plans Aussie mobile VoIP

  • Freshtel's VoIP dreams turn into a nightmare?

More articles »

Product finder

  • Engin Voicebox 3102

    Engin Voicebox 3102

    If you want a simple VoIP box with PSTN pass-through, the Voicebox 3102 is it. It's a pity that it's locked to one VoIP provider, however, making it a slightly expensive option.

  • MyNetFone Netgear TA612V

    MyNetFone Netgear TA612V

    The TA612V is a solid unit that provides a low-cost way to make VoIP calls. It is a good choice for a household or small home office where users are keen to cut their telephone bills.

  • Netgear SPH101 Wi-Fi Skype Phone

    Netgear SPH101 Wi-Fi Skype Phone

    If you're hopeless Skypeaholic with a home Wi-Fi router, the SPH101 is your dream product. If you're a budget minded VoIP fanatic, maybe not.

  • Linksys CIT400 Skype Phone

    Linksys CIT400 Skype Phone

    The Linksys CIT400 allows you to make both land-line and Skype calls, all without a PC.

  • MyNetFone Linksys SPA2100

    MyNetFone Linksys SPA2100

    The SPA2100 is a good quality VoIP ATA, and comes highly recommended, although we'd suggest shopping around for an unlocked unit.

More reviews »

Membership benefits

Contact community members

Contact community members

Add friends or tech gurus to you contacts and send them messages. Sign up for a free CNET Australia membership now!