• Home
• About SMB Tech Tips
• About the Author
• Helpful Links
• Sponsoring

VoIP and IP Security

A VoIP system could face the same type of problems as the data network. This includes VoIP versions of spam, phishing, and denial of service attacks. These attacks could take down the network and telephone system for hours. Calls could be intercepted divulging company secrets or client information.

The threats to a VoIP system are some of the same ones that affect any IP network. Others are unique to voice communications. Major threats include:
• A virus or worm can be introduced to the network and crash the VoIP servers or gateways

• A denial of service attack can overwhelm the network, making it unusable

• A hacker can access the call server to listen in to, record, or disrupt calls

• A hacker can get access to services that are supposed to be restricted

• Hackers can access the trunk gateway to the PSTN and make unauthorized toll calls

• A hacker who accesses the call server can register “rogue” IP phones, which can then use the company’s VoIP services

A related problem is VoIP spam or VoIP Phishing. A replicated voice messages could be created that could be used for purposes, such as obtaining personal information. People trust the telephone more than a do with a computer and email and are more likely to offer important information on the phone.

Does this mean you shouldn’t consider VoIP or move to it? There are cases where money can be saved by using VoIP technology.

Deploying VoIP without looking at the security concerns could be cause a major problem within your business with costly outages and financial lost.

© 2006-2007 Steven G. Atkinson – All Rights Reserved

*******
Steven G. Atkinson is the author of the book Technology Tips for Small Business. The book is an informational source for Small Business to better understand the technology they use everyday. More about the book Technology Tips for Small Business can be found at tt4sb.com.

Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.