VoIP security has been called in question recently, though there is little evidence to indicate that VoIP security is any less than conventional telephony systems.
VoIP voice data is transmitted via a packet-switched data network using IP. VoIP systems can carry a significant higher number of calls, and very much faster, than traditional PSTN networks due to compression of the voice packets, modern broadband technology and a number of other gateway developments which have reduced the previous packet delivery problems to an extent that the protocol is now a viable mainstream telephony solution to most business needs.
VoIP security should therefore be shown to be at least as effective as that of traditional telephone systems.
There is actually very little difference between VoIP security and that required for any other type of data transmission system. Look on it the same as you do your email system. The same as your office LAN if you have one. You probably have a system in operation whereby only authorized personnel can use certain aspects of the network. VoIP security can, and do, use the same techniques.
However, having said that, lets have a look at potential weak points in VoIP security that budding hackers may see as good points of attack.
IP PBX CALL MANAGEMENT BOXES
PBX stands for Private Branch Exchange, and is piece of software running on a server. Its function is to deal with all the switches and connections involved in the telephone system. These can be attacked by hackers or viruses which could compromise sensitive data. VoIP security systems are designed with this risk in mind.
PBX equipment should be placed behind firewalls, locked down and regularly monitored for unwarranted intrusions using intrusion-detection software. It is also possible to put the server in a different domain from the rest of the system, making it much more difficult for intruders to reach. PBX security is a basic aspect of VoIP security systems
GATEWAYS AND DATA PACKETS
The gateways job is to convert voice to data packets, transmit them then receive and convert the packets back into voice. These are a potential VoIP security risk in that thy can be hacked into unless there is an access-control system in place to prevent unauthorized people from accessing the system. VoIP calls should only be permitted to specific people, and most good VoIP security systems allow only authorized user to operate VoIP systems under password control.
The data packets themselves can be hacked into using data-sniffing techniques. This can be a serious VoIP security risk and packet sniffers, as they are often called, capture binary data passing through your network and can reroute it to a computer on another network for decoding into a readable form. In order to do this, the sniffers has to be on the same network wire as the packet is using to reach its destination. The problem in installing an effective VoIP security system is that there is usually a lot of information passing at any one time, and the hacker has a higher probability of getting useful information than from a conventional telephone system.
Encrypting VoIP traffic and routing it through a virtual private network would reduce the VoIP security risk, and most corporate systems have multiple encryption layers for external messages. Internal security could be improved by running internal VoIP messages through this corporate network. Small businesses should seek the advice of their supplier, or of a security expert if they feel that they may be subject to such attacks.
However, VoIP security advisors can point small to medium companies in the right direction. Corporate VoIP security is generally not so much problem in that it is normally contracted out to expert advisers.
In the final analysis, however, there are no real differences between VoIP security and the normal security concerns associated with any data network service, such as normal office internet and email LANs. The security firewalls and restricted access to use, common on these systems, should suffice to deal with VoIP security
Copyright 2006 Peter Nisbet
Peter is an industrial research chemist with almost a fixation with data transfer systems, starting with audio and video file formats and codecs, and here with telephonic transmission systems which allow what is commonly known as VoIP. His fascination with subject is obvious from his website: http://www.data-voip-solutions.com
Author: Peter Nisbet
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: US Dollar credit card
Related Posts -
Is MPLS the Right Choice For Your Voice & Data Network? MPLS is an excellent choice for businesses with multiple locations using a large amount of bandwidth for voice and data traffic.However, there are several things to consider before the installation and deployment of MPLS vs. other options:1. Security - MPLS has numerous security benefits. Data is held in IP...... - Is MPLS the Right Choice For Your Voice & Data Network? MPLS is an excellent choice for businesses with multiple locations using a large amount of bandwidth for voice and data traffic.However, there are several things to consider before the installation and deployment of MPLS vs. other options:1. Security - MPLS has numerous security benefits. Data is held in IP......
- VegaStream - VoIP Security These security concerns are being addressed by service providers and equipment manufacturers to make VoIP calls secure and to give buyers peace of mind. Furthermore, as the broader issue of security on and over the Internet is being addressed by the industry, global standards bodies and governments, so we can......
- VoIP Phone Systems VoIP phone systems are used with Voice over Internet Protocol technology. VoIP is the technology used to transmit audio as data or Packets over the Internet to either a computer user or to a landline telephone. VoIP is increasing in popularity, as it is highly valued for its great quality,......
- Is MPLS the Right Choice For Your Voice & Data Network? MPLS is an excellent choice for businesses with multiple locations using a large amount of bandwidth for voice and data traffic.However, there are several things to consider before the installation and deployment of MPLS vs. other options:1. Security - MPLS has numerous security benefits. Data is held in IP......
Related Websites -
Are Home Burglar Alarm Systems Really Worth It? Crime is universal and international-no matter where you live there is a chance that you may fall prey to a home break in, and worse-the loss of your personal and irreplaceable valuables. Many people see home burglar alarm systems as a good deterrent to potential thieves and when used correctly...... -
What Should A Privatized Social Security System Look Like? With democrats sweeping into power this last election, the possibility of a privatized social security system being implemented anytime in the near future looks increasingly bleak. That's too bad, because a properly-implemented privatized social security system could go a long way towards solving some important problems. Before the ideologues out there......
-
Apple now allowing iPhone apps to make VoIP calls over 3G networks [/caption] In an update to its iPhone SDK, Apple is now permitting apps to make VoIP calls over 3G wireless networks, an option that was once only available over a WiFi connection. According to a press release issued Wednesday by iCall, Apple has revised its SDK to allow VoIP calls...... -
Heart Disease Risk Factors for Women There are a number of ailments that women are actually at risk for developing without actually realizing it. For example, heart disease risk factors for women are much more significant than for men in many situations. Heart disease actually happens to be the leading killer both for men and women....... - Macau Casinos Have Best Security Systems in the World According to the chief of the Gaming Inspection and Co-ordination Bureau (DICJ), Macau casinos have the tightest and most modern security of all the world's gaming venues. Arriving back from a trip to London, which included informal discussions with European gaming regulators, Manuel Joaquim das Neves said the security in......
Related posts:
[...] Read more from the original source: VoIP Security [...]