VoIP Security and Privacy
Every business regardless of size has concern over keeping their business dealings safe and secure. One of the challenges seen today has to do with computers and hackers. Since VoIP or Voice over IP technology uses the computer to create voice streams, many business owners have questions regarding VoIP security.
After all VoIP technology reaches across the globe penetrating all types of markets. The concerns for some business owners is that if data can be stolen from computers, it can proprietary information from phone calls using VoIP technology also be stolen. It is true that VoIP security is an issue and one that is being addressed. More and more VoIP service providers are looking at ways to provide VoIP security for their customers to remove the vulnerability that exists for security risks.
For instance one VoIP security issue that needs to be addressed is voice tapping, similar to wiretapping. This particular VoIP security risk occurs by unpaid service usage when the network ID is falsified, sniffing packets and service disruption, due to packet manipulation. Although there are few VoIP security issues occurring, there are also few VoIP service providers implementing anything to control the risks.
For the business owner the very nature of the packet for IP networks do make VoIP a more vulnerable risk than the traditional PSTN. Today’s technology serving the data networks makes it much easier for voice information on a packet network to be probed than the physical efforts it takes to tap into a PSTN. Service providers are aware that VoIP security is a real issue especially in light of 9/11.
By implementing a few VoIP security safeguards many things, such as service being stolen and revenue being lost, can be avoided. Currently the design of VoIP technology has a crack in the system in that fraudulent service subscriptions can be obtained and used without being paid for. This means that services could be accessed for free and, worse yet, without being detected.
If a computer hacker is able to access the network equipment, replicate the equipment, or modify or change the database in any way the entire VoIP system could shut down or freeze! Another concern with VoIP security is that certain network protocols such as SIP, H.323 and MGCP can be manipulated by modifying the protocols and/or gaining access to the packets, which would alter the destination of the packet or connection.
Finally VoIP security is being looked at regarding privacy. If a hacker wanted to snoop on the packet network, voice bearer channels could be heard and call setup or signaling could be obtained. This could result in personal information such as addresses, credit card numbers and so on being captured, which ultimately could result in personal identity theft.
Although there are some concerns for VoIP security that certainly does not mean that every business is placed in a vulnerable position by using this technology. For one thing, the security factors already in place are designed so the infrastructure upholds integrity. This element works to ensure that VoIP on both ends is not tampered with and that the recipient is authenticated.
Second VoIP service providers do offer the end user several levels of security. One of the most common features is the encryption of the voice payload and a second feature is that signal messaging must establish the call to be encrypted. To help with the confidentiality of business calls, encryption/decryption algorithms and associated keys are used. Two of the most common encryption schemes used is the Advanced Encryption Standard, AES, and Triple Data Encryption Standard, 3DES.
Keep in mind that VoIP security issues do exist but, overall, the technology is still an excellent solution for business owners. Recently many service providers are taking notice of these VoIP security issues, meaning that while you enjoy VoIP today with few risks, in the near future, the security risks will be reduced even more.
