VoIP Security Threats and Issues

VoIP services are the new rage in the realm of telecommunication. However as every new technology is accompanied by its pros and cons; the same holds true for VoIP. VoIP security is currently one of the most talked about issues. Unlike the email and web services; VoIP operates on a unique system that works by translating the voice signals into data packets. These data packets can then be sent easily via an Internet service to the receiving end. At the destination, the data packet is then again converted into voice signal. Because VoIP makes use of high-speed Internet connection for efficient packet transfer, hackers can easily tap into this information.

Even though VoIP networks provide businesses of all types with a cost effective solution to their communication needs; a great many network administrators are unaware of the network threats they might be exposed to. VoIP security needs to be paid close attention to for it is one of the greatest drawbacks of this technology. A typical VoIP network may be treated as a traditional LAN or WAN where every computer of the network is prone to security threats and breaches.

Some of the most alarming security threats faced by VoIP networks have been listed as under. Every network administrator should be well aware of these attacks and breaches for a single negligence on the administrator's part may lead to valuable information and confidential data being stolen.

DoS attacks or the Denial of Service Attacks belong to a class of security threat that is perhaps even more devastating than any worm or Trojan. The threat works to devastate an organization's VoIP network by forcing disconnection of the phone lines. As a result the phone lines experience long periods of busy signals and reconnection is delayed.

Another type of security threat associated with VoIP networks is that of Eavesdropping. Generally as voice signal (in the form of data packets) is being transmitted over an Internet connection, hackers can tap into this connection and steal valuable information. What's more is that once a hacker is capable of snooping into your network he has the undue advantage of causing further damage by introducing DoS attacks. For network administrators and computer addicts the age-old scam of phishing is not a new one. When it comes to Voice over Internet Protocol, the crime is renamed as Vising. The target of such crimes is generally financial data and its unlawful pursuit and use. In addition, it often becomes difficult to track such criminals owing to a strategy named as caller id spoofing.

One of the best ways to provide efficient VoIP security is to make use of encryption. Encryption can be imposed by installing an encryption hardware that prevents a hacker's access to your voice data. Furthermore be alive to password thefts and make sure that all manufacturer passwords are changed with minimal delay.

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