Are you acquainted to the pace with which IP telephony is catching up?

With major telecommunication carriers, in the process of preparing to launch VoIP applications it is heading towards a prime time. However a new sense of urgency is developing with the risk of wide spread security violation as VoIP technology is gaining popularity.

Until now VoIP security was not a volatile subject, since IP voice traffic remained on local and wide area enterprise networks mostly but VoIP usage becoming widespread has raised concerns over the VoIP security-security of voice data transferred since these voice networks are IP based and special call signal internet protocols that carry these data contains flaws.

To combat threats on VoIP security system it is essential to first device a method of sending VoIP traffic through firewalls. Which can block or restrict data packets due to their inbuilt security functions. Until then we are all susceptible to security breaches like denial of service attacks, tapping, loss of data, snooping.

The apprehensions attached with VoIP security are the major deterrents in the popularity and acceptance of IP telephony. Issues like invasion of privacy, eves-dropping are a serious matter and one would not want to fall victims to them. And it is this feeling of venerability that discourages people to adopt VoIP technology.

However there is a newer technology which has developed not very late ago. It's called VPN (Virtual Private Network) -it's a wonderful way to connect through VoIP, fully guarding your concerns on breach of security. VPN forms a personal gateway between two users with the help of routers and forbids any attempts of intrusion. Although placing routers is an expensive affair altogether but many broadband service providers have begun offering a separate VPN servers to their routers.

Hence to ensure a secured calling experience with VoIP, choose a broadband service provider supporting VPN routers. And you could get the best of VoIP telephony.

Webmaster VoIP Termination

Much disussion has centred around the security and privacy aspects of VoIP as well as significant issues in relation to emergency calls. This article will focus on the importance of considering the wider implications of security in the context of utilsing VoIP.

There are numerous security concerns with VoIP with two common ones being the privacy aspect of eavesdropping in on a conversation and a second being the hacking into and use of a VoIP users account.

It is arguable that focus in relation to security aspects of VoIP technology has and continues to be improved and addressed. Even if this is not the case are there bigger holes elsewhere? Most VoIP users are operating on something other than a dedicated VoIP computer, network, broadband link. That is they are using an existing computer and everything that goes with and on it as well as a broadband link utilized for general internet purposes.

Thus the same risks and concerns in relation to security of personal computers and data transmissions therefrom is extremely relevant to the VoIP world. This is especially relevant if using software applications as a telephone rather than a standard telephone through an Analog Telephone Adaptor (ATA).

In the case of software on a home PC it would therefore be vital to secure the PC and operating system to the highest level possible by use of firewall(s) and anti virus software for starters. This should be obvious but how many users don't keep their firewall and anti virus software updated along with the operating system as new security exploitations are encountered and security upgrades supplied?

Additionally consider all things wireless. Anything wireless means a radiocommunications transmitter at the departure point and a receiver at the other allowing the possibility of interception somewhere inbetween. For example users of a Wireless LAN such as one compliant with the 802.11 standard would need to consider security in relation to the wireless or radiocommunication transmission aspect.

Whilst things have come a long way from the days of non encrypted cordless phones and analog mobile phones that could be intercepted on a commercially available scanning receiver, along with Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF) decoders meaning not only could conversations be listened in on but PINs, account numbers etc entered via the keypad could be decoded, you do not want to be the car with the mobile phone visible on the front seat or the house with the door or window left unlocked.

By examining, assessing and addressing the basic security aspects in relation to PC/server setup along with increasing security for the Voice Over Internet Protocol technology, it is hoped that the analogy could be drawn that so many others are more vulnerable that you will either go unnoticed or not be targeted due to the availability of much easier and worthwhile targets.

Summary Whilst many questions still surround security of certain aspects of VoIP usage, there are other basic security considerations which if left unaddressed will definitely leave the user vulnerable in not only the VoIP sense but with all data storage and transmission aspects.

The Author has an Associate Diploma in Electronic Engineering. For further information, books or VoIP items, please visit All About Voice Over Internet Protocol.

The move to Voice over Internet Protocol (or VoIP) has grown in popularity so to have the security issues that surround VoIP systems.

Security issues are now a major concern of companies thinking about changing to a VoIP system.

Vunerability to attack

VoIP is internet based and this creates the problem of being open to all the attacks that are associated with this method of communication.

It opens up the telephone network to attacks from hackers, who could infiltrate and listen to phone conversations and steal confidential data, and Spammers have the opportunity to target a system with denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.

Before making the move to VoIP, companies need to thoroughly acquaint themselves with the security issues surrounding this new technology and plan protection in advance.

VoIP networks are threatened with the same security risks as traditional IP data networks and similar meashures need to be taken to add protection and security.

Protecting a VoIP System,

Companies should adopt a multi layer security strategy to secure their VoIP systems.

This can be done by dividing the network into secure zones adding protection with firewalls and intrusion prevention techniques.

A company should in fact secure the network itself by putting in place layers of security to protect at all levels including:

Telephones, conversations, computers, and servers.

A specific method of authentication (encryption) should be standard as to should control access ( by passwords and firewalls)

Companies should always look to encrypt data sent for confidentiality, and use call software to establish a tracking of calls for all employees, to create accountability of information sent.

Internal Security

A potential breach in security that many companies ignore at their peril is internal traffic flowing over a VoIP system.

It is critical this is addressed and secured as well.

An increasing number of workers use voIP to communicate with company staff from wireless phones or soft phones and this creates a serious potential security problem.

Therefore companies should look to encrypt voIP traffic moving internally over a corporate network to prevent attacks from within the company itself.

The increasing use of desktop-based soft phones to make and receive VOIP-based telephone calls creates a breach in firewall security that of course can be exploited by unscrupulous employees.

The best way to address this problem as we have said, is to restrict access to the network.

In addition, make sure all inbound VOIP traffic that flows through a firewall is routed through a gateway server, thus eliminating a direct connection to the Internet and all the security issues this entails.

Securing a VoIP System.

Many corporate users are discouraged from using VoIP systems as they feel they are not secure however, this is the same as saying it is not safe to use a computer connected to the internet, it can be secured its up to companies and individuals to do so

Securing VoIP systems is like securing any IP network.

Just as you protect your PC with virus software, firewalls etc so to should you protect a VoIP system with similar meashures.

VoIP can and is secure, providing adequate steps are taken.

Security is a network issue as well

Security is not a server issue it's a network issue and companies can achieve security by placing the above measures in place to make their VoIP system secure just as they do with an IP network.

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Source: http://www.net-planet.org