I’ve got a pretty good idea of what must be going on based on the stories online because I’m sensitive to Microsoft problems stemming from its multiple identity systems. There is speculation about malware, security flaws in the Skype Android app, poorly chosen passwords, a massive Microsoft security breach, and demonic possession. The bad guys are still out there pounding on the system that has allowed this to go on for the last few months.Īs usual, the Internet tubes are full of rumors, guesses and falsehoods about how this is happening. Tom Warren of the Verge got messages that appeared to be from a former Microsoft employee and a Microsoft PR representative.

My wife got messages that appeared to be from our son. It’s obvious from lengthy threads on Skype support forums that it’s happening to many hundreds of people at least, but I suspect it’s more widespread than that. The steps to stop the hack are described below. If someone tells you that they received a link through Skype that appeared to be from you, your Skype account has been hacked. The ones I’ve seen have been disguised as a fake Forbes web page.

Baidu is a Chinese search engine, roughly the Chinese equivalent of Google the link does not actually take you to a website run by Baidu but instead will redirect you to a malware site. The link will take you to a phishing site that attempts to install malware. The message will appear to come from someone you know but it’s not – it’s just the bad guys with their latest exploit. If you get a link to a website with “Baidu” in the name sent through the Skype messaging system, don’t click on the link.

Set up skype account