"Interestingly enough, among the websites hosted in these networks is one providing a fake Skype encryption tool, purportedly targeting Syrian opposition activists," noted Renesys.

Among a number of under-pressure Governments in the region, Syria has tended to allow Internet connectivity to continue despite it being used as a conduit for negative video footage.

Such images benefit dissidents but keeping the Internet also benefits the regime which has launched on the opposition forces by Renesys.