All articles tagged with #skype
In 2025, several notable tech products and services were discontinued, including TiVo DVRs, Skype, Humane AI Pin, Pocket, Zelle's standalone app, Meta's fact-checking program, Mr. Deepfakes, Google Assistant, and Twitter's domain, reflecting the fast-paced and ever-evolving nature of the tech industry.
Microsoft has quietly stopped allowing users to purchase Skype credit and phone numbers, pushing them towards monthly subscription plans for Skype-to-phone services. This change, which was not officially announced, affects millions of users who relied on Skype's phone functionalities. Existing credits and numbers will still work, but new purchases are halted. This move aligns with Microsoft's broader strategy to focus on subscription-based services, as Skype faces competition from platforms like WhatsApp and Zoom.
DarkGate malware has been spreading through compromised Skype accounts, with attackers using VBA loader script attachments to infect targets. The malware operators have also attempted to push their payload through Microsoft Teams. DarkGate has become increasingly popular among cybercriminals for initial access into corporate networks, offering a range of features and posing various threats, including ransomware and cryptomining. This surge in DarkGate activity highlights the growing influence of this malware-as-a-service operation and the determination of threat actors to adapt their tactics despite disruptions.
Microsoft has yet to fix a security vulnerability in the Skype mobile app that allows hackers to obtain a user's IP address simply by opening a message containing a link. The flaw, discovered by independent security researcher Yossi, reveals a user's general location and can be exploited regardless of the website the link leads to. Despite being notified earlier this month, Microsoft has not addressed the issue, stating that the disclosure of an IP address is not considered a security vulnerability. The company has faced criticism for its handling of security vulnerabilities, including a recent breach of US government emails through Microsoft Azure.
A CNBC video explores the rise and fall of Skype, tracing its development by a small group of engineers in Estonia to its acquisition by eBay, then Microsoft. Despite Microsoft's backing, Skype has been overshadowed by competitors like Zoom and WhatsApp, with its daily active users dropping from 40 million to 36 million. In contrast, Microsoft Teams has seen significant growth, reaching 300 million active users in Q2 2023. Experts attribute Skype's decline to a lack of innovation and Microsoft's failure to capitalize on the platform. While Microsoft is making efforts to revive Skype, doubts remain about its future.