Billions to eavesdrop Skype !!!

 

During old times it was always big problem for Govt. agencies to tape phones of suspected individuals … then technology evolved with time and phone taping became handy tool to keep an “ear” on people … but then age came of mobile phone and satellite phones which became another challenge for agencies to spy on … and now at internet age … new way to communication has been evolved … that we use knowingly or unknowingly … its called VOIP  (Voice Over IP) a.k.a. interne telephone !!! …

Yes, when we make any call using internet it uses internet protocol ,just like we surf internet … and it becomes a bit difficult to watch over all these calls because its very cheap and easy to use … so users using this method of call is very hugeeeeeeeee number … and perhaps its the biggest problem spy agencies facing to tape terrorists who are using modern technology to communicate ( before 9/11 we had never thought that they can use e-Mails’ draft service to communicate ,right ??? ) …

Recently , An industry source disclosed that America's super secret National Security Agency (NSA) is offering "billions" to any firm which can offer reliable eavesdropping on Skype IM and voice traffic. Skype in particular is a serious problem for spooks and cops. Being P2P, the network can't be accessed by the company providing it and the authorities can't gain access by that route. The company won't disclose details of its encryption, either, and isn't required to as it is Europe based. This lack of openness prompts many security pros to rubbish Skype on "security through obscurity" grounds: but nonetheless it remains a popular choice with those who think they might find themselves under surveillance. Rumor suggests that America's NSA may be able to break Skype encryption - assuming they have access to a given call or message - but nobody else.

The NSA may be able to do that: but it seems that if so, this uses up too much of the agency's resources at present.

"They are saying to the industry, you get us into Skype and we will make you a very rich company," said the industry source, adding that the obscure encryption used by the P2Pware is believed to change frequently as part of software updates.

The spyware kingpin suggested that Skype is deliberately seeking to frustrate national listening agencies, which seems an odd thing to do - Skype has difficulties enough getting revenues out of its vast user base at any time, and a paid secure-voice system for subversives doesn't seem like a money-spinner.

But corporate parent eBay, having had to write down $1.4bn already following its $2.6bn purchase of Skype back in the bubble-2.0 days of 2005, might see an opportunity here. A billion or two from the NSA for a backdoor into Skype might make the acquisition seem like a sensible idea.

The spybiz exec, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that Skype continues to be a major problem for government listening agencies, spooks and police. This was already thought to be the case, following requests from German authorities for special intercept/bugging powers to help them deal with Skype-loving malefactors. Britain's GCHQ has also stated that it has severe problems intercepting VoIP and internet communication in general

Njoy …