How this nearly barenaked lady has been brought to you courtesy of a Skype SPIM-mer
Skype Journal's Phil Wolff uses this screencap from a Skype SPIM (Spam Over Instant Messaging) session to explain how Skype SPIM-ers initiate these contacts.
Phil mentions 10 ways this is done.
Perhaps number 6 is the most sneakingly cunning:
6. Route incoming chats.
So a dozen of you are sitting in a room with a thousand Skypes running. You'll need to write a Skype plug-in that alerts you whenever someone takes the bait. The plug-in needs to tell the management software whenever there's a new friend. It will also bring a Skype chat window into focus so a human can see it.
You may also find the best operator available for a given prospect. Language, gender, time availability are all factors that might boost conversion rates.
Phil then gets Skype's reax. Here's Skype's chief security officer, Kurt Sauer:
Skype defines SPIM from a behavioral point of view, not from a message content point of view, as messages are sent directly from one user to another peer-to-peer. Because of that, each copy of Skype software attempts to identify patterns of activity that appear to mimic the sending of unsolicited message content to a broad audience. Once this pattern of behavior has been identified, the software limits the number of messages that can be sent. In addition, each Skype user has a range of privacy settings at their disposal that can prevent the receipt of any kind of unsolicited contact, whether by video, voice or chat.
Skype is constantly reviewing its software architecture to find new ways to ensure its customers’ protection from receiving unwanted communications. SPIM control is a growing area of research, not only for Skype but for the online communications industry as a whole. Consequently, Skype continues to develop and test innovative solutions to improve the quality of the Skype experience.
The things that some hackers will do to get your attention...are you watching and listening, Denver International Airport Wi-Fi censors?