Skype For Android Vulnerable to Private Data Hack [Broadband Reports]
I checked this one out closely as I recently signed up for Skype on my iPhone to video chat with my daughter who is traveling. Unfortunately for those with an Android device, it might be time to uninstall the app while the developer works on a patch for a flaw that could expose personal data to hackers. A blog focusing on Android issues was able to access the data stored within the Skype app - which includes account and message data - because it was not encrypted securely. The blog testing the Skype data storage used code embedded within a proof of concept app to infiltrate and download the Skype data.
Hackers could use the same method with a malicious app that users download and install on their Android device. Just a few weeks ago, Google removed several such malicious apps from the Android Market.
It's good practice not to install apps onto Android devices from any but the most trusted developers. Because Google's mobile OS subscribes to an open source philosophy, it's more open to malicious developers that attempt to take advantage of users' trust.
Comments