Symantec warns of Skype trojan
INSECURITY OUTFIT Symantec has reported that it has found the public release of source code for a Trojan that targets Skype users.
Trojan.Peskyspy is spyware that records a voice call and stores it as an mp3 file for transmission later.
A machine that has been infected will use the software that handles audio processing within a computer and save the call data as an MP3 file.
The MP3 is then sent over the Internet to a predefined server where the attacker can then listen to the recorded conversations.
Since the call is an MP3 it does not take up too much space and that means that transfer loads are lower. Symantec admits that at the moment the threat risk is low.
However, since the code is publicly available, Symantec thinks that malware authors are likely to use it as a part of customised snooping packages.
The downside of course is that the malware creators would need to have a lot of time on their hands to go through hours of Skype audio files to find anything juicy.
You would have to be very dedicated, or bored, or incredibily jealous about your partner, to bother. µ
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The name of this trojan is "Megapanzer". It was named by the guy who wrote it and released its source.
Why Symantec insists on coming up with its own name, I can only speculate about. Perhaps they feel it'll boost their publicity to come up with yet another Silly.name.with.Dots.in?
Skype is getting boring and attracts more and more spammers each day.
Most people are moving to Voip anyway, as it's far cheaper and more easy to use.
Skype had it's time, it will die soon as Voip is taking over rapidly.
Skype IS/USES VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)...
"Skype uses a proprietary Internet telephony (VoIP) network", from the great source of Wikipedia
So most of your comment makes little sense. What product are you suggesting is taking over? It, as with all IP, will get hit by those wanting to abuse as soon as it becomes popular.
"The downside of course is that the malware creators would need to have a lot of time on their hands to go through hours of Skype audio files to find anything juicy."
...unless of course its not the malware creators that are listening to the mp3s, but some algorithym looking for certain keywords in the files, preparing the files for later review.
i guess the government wouldn't need mp3s to eavesdrop on some/everyones skype conversations?