VoIP Security

VoIP Security is an important issue when it comes to VoIP Communications in a VoIP Business. Since VoIP is communication via the Internet and hence via computers, VoIP solutions are susceptible to attacks. These attacks are similar to attacks on PCs. People that compromise these VoIP systems are known by as hackers. This terms is the same term as a person that attack peoples computers. A hacker can perform things like: Denial Of Service (DOS) attacks, steal sensitive information, listen in on conversations, etc... For VoIP Security to prevent these sort of attacks, certain measures can be taken. These measures include routing VoIP Communications through firewalls and using Private Session Border Controllers and also Encryption etc...

In the world of VoIP, private branch exchanges otherwise known as PBXs are replaced by server based IP PBXs. These systems run operating systems that can be compromised by hackers. Hackers hacking into server based IP PBXs can take control and listen in on calls. These systems should be locked down, kept up to date with current patches, monitored and put behind firewalls.

Companies switching to use VoIP are doing so mainly because of cost benefits. VoIP Security measures often get overlooked because of lack of knowledge and also due to the increased cost in implementing the security. Having a secure phone line is a lot easier to implement with VoIP than normal phone lines. If VoIP Security is not implemented properly, a VoIP call can be eavesdropped into. There are programs that help hackers to listen into insecure VoIP calls. Security measures are not widely implemented so hackers can easily violate people's privacy.