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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VoIP - A Service Worthy of Reliance

The field of telecommunication has advanced by leaps and bounds in the past few years. With numerous new services and technologies being introduced; communication and its quality both have increased considerably. One such service, which has been around for a few years and continues to gain the attention of millions worldwide, is the VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol service that enables users to send and receive voice messages. The service makes use of Internet connection. As the Internet connection is typically fixed for digital signals and data-sound or voice signals can only be sent over such a medium when they are converted into a digital format.

In actual the voice signals are converted into packets of data and then transmitted. At the receiving end this digital data is again converted into a voice signal. One of the chief advantages of this service is the enhanced voice or signal quality due to minimum distortion. In addition, as Internet service is available in almost every organization and home; there are no additional installation charges for the service.
The mentioned advantages of VoIP services have lead to their high demand worldwide. Consequently this has lead to an increased competition among the service providers with many more companies launching similar services at lower and more competitive prices.

One commonly observed impression about the VoIP service is the average user's hesitancy to select it over the traditional phones. A great many people tend to think that since VoIP service has recently been introduced, it is not a very reliable service. On the contrary, the efficiency of VoIP service surpasses all other voice technologies and services and is most definitely a service worthy of reliance.

Those who are new to the service should make sure they are well aware of a certain important points. The most important of these is the type of package they opt for. These packages are generally for various users depending on their usage and needs and thus select one that would best suit your needs and demands. Users who have extensive usage of long distance calls should opt for packages that specifically offer free or unlimited long distance calls. Similarly, if your calls are basically limited within your own area or city; then opting for the previously mentioned package would surely be of no use. For this reason, wisely choose a package plan considering the calls, their frequency and the costs in mind. As VoIP is a service transforming an analog voice signal into a digital one and then again converting it back to analog form at the receiving end; it makes use of additional hardware for the purpose. Most often this hardware is offered by your service provider himself and you do not to have to purchase it separately from the market.

However, if you do have to invest in a good hardware then make sure that the hardware specifications match your software version in order to avoid any discrepancies. The growing VoIP market demand has made possible this service being available at rates lower than one could imagine. Moreover, as different companies try to launch more user-friendly packages and deals in order to attract their customers; the service and its popularity are definitely on the rise.

Wifinotes.com is great site where you can learn about wifi wireless technology, wifi wireless network, mobile communications, IT Certifications and also find computer networking tutorials.

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