Beware of automated Skype calls: Sophos

MUMBAI / BANGALORE, INDIA: IT security and data protection firm, Sophos, has cautioned Skype users to be careful following the discovery of an automated attack, designed to spread fake anti-virus software.

Skype users receive unsolicited calls in the form of a computer-generated voice message warning users that their computer security is not up-to-date, directing them to a specific website where visitors will be asked to enter personal information and pay to download software to repair their computer, a Sophos release said on Tuesday.

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The voice messages in the automated calls say-

"Attention: this is an automated computer system alert. Your computer protection service is not active. To activate computer protection, and repair your computer, go to"

"As more and more people become acquainted with the tricks used by internet scammers, cyber criminals & scammers are pressed to find new social engineering tricks in the hope of duping the unwary. Fake anti-virus or scareware is an increasingly common example of this and takes advantage of those worried enough to visit such dubious sites," said Graham Cluley, Senior Technology Consultant at Sophos. "Personally, I wouldn't want to trust any product which uses Skype spam techniques to advertise itself, and presents itself in such an underhand manner. Skype users need to be vigilant in their privacy settings to combat this, and unsolicited Skype calls can be stopped by amending privacy settings so that only users listed in your contacts can get in touch with you."

"As more and more people become acquainted with the tricks used by internet scammers, cybercriminals & scammers are pressed to find new social engineering tricks in the hope of duping the unwary. Fake anti-virus or scareware is an increasingly common example of this and takes advantage of those worried enough to visit such dubious sites. Personally, I wouldn't want to trust any product which uses Skype spam techniques to advertise itself, and presents itself in such an underhand manner. Skype users need to be vigilant in their privacy settings to combat this, and unsolicited Skype calls can be stopped by amending privacy settings so that only users listed in your contacts can get in touch with you."