Skype hides IP addresses to protect users from online trolls

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Let's be honest: it's pretty hard to find someone who will be genuinely happy for you when you win something. When it comes to online gaming, however, that probability falls to zero. Losing a multiplayer game leaves some people so angry that they'll go out of their way to force fellow players offline. In order to do this, gamers can use tools to locate a target's IP address from just their target's Skype username and then launch a DDoS attack to overload their internet connection. It's not the most common attack vector but Microsoft has changed the way its messaging app works so that gamers, and the wider Skype community, can rest a little easier knowing it's harder for them to be tracked.

After initially allowing users to choose whether they wanted to share their IP address with contacts, the company's latest update will now hide their details from other Skype users by default. Microsoft says the measure will "prevent individuals from obtaining a Skype ID and resolving to an IP address," which won't only protect gamers, but other Skype users who may be targeted by online trolls. Before Microsoft enabled the feature, gamers used third-party workarounds to keep themselves safe. Its latest update removes that hassle and lets players get back to pwning the competition without fear of reprisals.

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Related Forum: PC General Forum

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/01/22/skype-hide-ip-addresses-skype/

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"Skype hides IP addresses to protect users from online trolls" :: Login/Create an Account :: 61 comments

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ValorPosted:

Shout out to skype for this move, I've had problems with this lately

ProPosted:

Pretty good that skype have added this in!

AR15Posted:

Raizel I think it's kinda sad that they have to do this, like why can't people just leave other people alone.


I agree. I never got my IP or internet messed with, but I had friends that did. Shit is annoying when you are just trying to relax and have some fun in a call with some friends just to be interrupted by idiots on the internet.

LillardPosted:

do skype resolvers still work? or does this solve them too

KxrLPosted:

Raizel I think it's kinda sad that they have to do this, like why can't people just leave other people alone.


Well there are sad people in today's society

RebPosted:

Soon they'll actually update the client to make it as good as Discord

EvoVIIIPosted:

I think it's kinda sad that they have to do this, like why can't people just leave other people alone.

OGPosted:

Good, this is not only better but safer. There are people out there who can actually find you by your ip address. Its a bit scary tbh. Good for them

AxePosted:

Its probably a good idea that they are hiding IP's now, because it seems like whenever someone gets someone else mad, they get hit offline these days. Might make it a little bit harder to do that now.

PubsPosted:

I've been wondering when they were going to do this. I only add people I trust on skype to prevent ddos :/


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