Skype's Legacy: End-to-End Encryption for the Masses

- Skype was launched in 2003 with end-to-end encryption
- FinFisher, a high-level hacking system, was discovered in 2012
- Skype's encryption sparked anger among law enforcement agencies
- End-to-end encryption is now a standard feature in many messaging apps
- Skype is set to shut down on May 5, but its legacy lives on
Introduction
Skype, launched in 2003, was a pioneering internet phone calling app that promised unprecedented privacy with its end-to-end encryption. This feature, which made it impossible for internet hackers or spies to intercept calls and chats, was revolutionary at the time.
The Discovery of FinFisher
In 2012, Egyptian revolutionaries discovered a memorandum written by SSI officers about a mysterious software called FinFisher, made by the British-German company Gamma International. FinFisher was a high-level hacking system capable of accessing email inboxes, uploading spy files, and tracking communications.
Skype's Encryption Legacy
Skype's end-to-end encryption was a groundbreaking feature that sparked anger among law enforcement agencies worldwide. Despite attempts to bypass its encryption, Skype remained a secure method of communication. Today, end-to-end encryption is a standard feature in many messaging apps, including Apple's iMessage and FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, Signal, and WhatsApp.
Conclusion
Although Skype is set to shut down, its legacy lives on in the technology that secures the communications of billions of people worldwide. Its innovative approach to end-to-end encryption has made the world a safer and freer place.