Up until recently, the issue of security for VoIP hasn't been one that has received a great deal of attention. However, as the growth of 'verbal emails' continues and VoIP becomes increasingly popular particularly amongst business users, it is an issue that has to be addressed.
Using a VoIP provider gives you more of a measure of security than relying on freeware systems available on the Internet. The primary defence mechanism of any computer is the firewall. Providing a barrier between your computer or network and security threats such as hackers and viruses, a firewall offers a degree of protection that filters data going in and out of your network. As VoIP works by breaking voice messages into digital data, a standard firewall installed in your PC may not be enough to offer you full protection. VoIP providers have much more stringent firewalls installed on their main servers, which protects the entire network and all machines linked into that network. This is one of the primary reasons why, if you're serious about using VoIP on a regular basis, it's best to sign up with a bona fide VoIP provider.
Passwords are an essential part of Internet life, and VoIP should be considered as no different to any other secure operation you carry out on your computer. Authentication is the best way to ensure that those using the system are authorised to do so and that you don't have any unauthorised access to your system. Unfortunately, very few VoIP providers actually have this facility, so it's best to hunt around for providers that do offer you this additional layer of protection.
You should also inquire if your VoIP provider offers an encryption service. If a data packet (the broken down information that flies across the ether) is intercepted by a third party, it is of no use whatsoever to them if they can't read it. An encryption facility secures the data by changing it into an unintelligible form which is translated or decrypted at the receiving end, making sure that your VoIP call is as secure as possible. Again, your VoIP provider should be able to tell you if they offer an encryption service to paying customers.
Without a rethink and some serious security protocol implementations, VoIP will find it difficult to make inroads into the lucrative commercial market. It is this aspect that VoIP providers are now focusing their efforts on, rather than the clarity of calls, for example. VoIP security needs to be addressed as part of the overall context of Internet security. At present, private branch exchanges (PBX) are replaced by server-based IP PBXs running on the ubiquitous Microsoft Windows operating system. This system has shown itself to be vulnerable to attack from hackers and an attack on a VoIP server could result in the loss of potentially sensitive data. Therefore, it is important that equipment is properly protected, and the best way for the individual user to have this assurance is to use a legitimate VoIP provider.
VoIP gateways are potentially one of the weakest links in the chain. When VoIP is used on an external network, gateway technology converts the data package from the IP network into voice before sending them over a public telephone network. The concern is that at this point, VoIP can be hacked by unscrupulous users to gain access to free calls. The trick to prevent this lies, once again, through password protection and making sure that the gateway is configured in such a way as to ensure that only people with the correct access codes are permitted to make and receive VoIP calls.
All of these weaknesses within the system are best addressed by using a dedicated VoIP provider who has the appropriate firewalls, authorisation and encryption facilities to make sure your data is as well protected as possible. There will always be a number of determined hackers who may attempt to access VoIP calls, but minimising the possibility by placing your trust in an experienced and professional provider is the best way to thwart all but the most determined of attacks.
By Costas Kariolis - Online Marketing Manager of Vonage UK.
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