VoIP Security

VoIP relies on internet so it is susceptible to attacks as are any internet-connected devices This means that whatever threats your internet connection faces could be faced by VoIP. In the beginning of the VoIP telephony very few were concerned with security rather than its cost-saving feature such as free and cheap calls.

However now that VoIP is being used in homes and businesses as a sole means of communication replacing the traditional phone system, the VoIP Security has assumed importance for consumers and VoIP providers.

Here are some of the VoIP security threats that a VoIP user could have to face.

If your VoIP connection is not secure a hacker can do a lot of damage. This could be in the form of using your VoIP connection to make calls without paying for them as you are billed for the calls the hacker makes.

While this is certainly a matter of concern what is even more disturbing that when a hacker gets control of your passwords and credentials, your identity can be easily stolen. This can result in financial loss to you.

Another security threat involves Vishing which involves somebody assuming a fake identity of your bank or Credit Card Company and calling or emailing you to reveal your details. Such hackers may simulate the websites of the financial institutions so that you are duped into entering your details after clicking a link on a fake email.

In addition, if you are using softphone applications to make pc to pc or pc to phone calls, viruses and worms and other malware could attack your computer in the same way they attack you when you are surfing the web.

Does this mean that VoIP is totally insecure and risky to use?

No, it isn’t so. Over the years the VoIP providers have taken measures to make it more secure and almost invulnerable to outside attacks by using encryption and other technical modifications. But the matter of secure VoIP doen’t end with what your VoIP provider does at his end. At your end you have to take certain precautions such as using strong passwords, not responding to fake emails or voicemails or revealing your financial or other credentials to unknown persons.

The articles below discuss various security issues and what you can do to make your VoIP secure.