VOIP Security Concerns
VoIP uses the Internet for sending and retrieving VoIP data. This makes it vulnerable to hackers. For individuals who use VoIP this may not be a problem, but businesses don’t want their information to leak. For this reason VoIP services are dedicated to making their service as secure as possible.
Hackers may ty to tap your call and retrieve all sorts of information. They can retrieve conversations, but also VoIP phone numbers or user identities. When they retrieve this information, they can use your VoIP to make calls themselves. Some hackers may even record your call and use your voice to make calls.
There are a few ways to avoid these security problems. The first is encryption. Encryption works in the same way as when sending credit card information. The data is sent over a safe connection. Another way of averting security issues is by separating VoIP data and other Internet data by using a so-called VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network). The call quality may suffer under these measures. But both methods are an option if calls are to be kept secret.
Viruses sent with VoIP data could also be a risk factor, although this threat hasn’t been seen yet. Viruses don’t only overload the network, but they also reduce the quality of calls.
Another issue is SPIT – Spam over Internet Telephony. Instead of receiving e-mails you receive calls from companies that try to sell you their services and products.
How secure is my VoIP? Certain services maintain security through encryption or the use of a VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network). There are certain things consumers can do themselves.
- A firewall will protect your computer from malicious attacks.
- All downloads should also be checked for viruses or other threats.
VoIP hardware on the other hand can be unstabilized or shut down if it receives certain types of data.
Certain Internet phones are sensitive to data piracy. For individuals these security issues may not be of importance. But businesses have sensitive conversations over the Internet. They have their own gateways and equipment, which makes them an easy prey for DOS attacks (Denial of Service) and other assailments.