VoIP Security

VoIP Security - Against What?

As VoIP is a part of the internet, VoIP is vulnerable to the same risks that are associated with it - viruses, identity theft, phishing, spam, spyware.

When you are using VoIP, your VoIP security is dependent upon the security measures of your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and VoIP server as well as yourself.

If there is any loophole somewhere along the line, an intruder could ...               

• Listen to your conversation

• Use your VoIP account password to make calls

• Listen to your voicemail

• Send you spam in the form of telemarketer calls

• Disable your VoIP system by dos attacks

• Infest your computer with viruses, trojans and other undesirable bugs

Sounds scary? But before you swear off VoIP for good, let me tell you that this is the worst case scenario. In fact, there is little probability of happening all this to you or any most VoIP users.

This is because most VoIP service providers have become very security conscious, with the result that measures like encryption of data and strong database security are becoming the normal features of their service. So there is little chance that your VoIP provider's server could be hacked easily. But your pc could - if you don't do your bit of raising your fences.                 

What To Do For VoIP Security
Here are a few things that you could do to enhance your VoIP security:

Secure Your Browser
Your browser is the first point of entry for whatever comes to your pc like the border checkpoint between two countries. Allow everyone and you are in for trouble - viruses, spyware, trojans, adware and hacking software. This is why you need to set the security level of your browser to control who comes in and who turned off.

Use A Firewall
Your browser will not keep off all the intruders so as a second line of defense, use a firewall and an antivirus on your pc - a good idea even if you don't use VoIP. An internet firewall can be hardware or software-based for keeping out hackers, worms, viruses and other undesirables from your pc. While there are a number of firewalls available on the market, Zone Alarm could be a good choice as it is free and quite effective. Turn on your firewall and antivirus before you access the internet.

Use Strong Passwords
Your passwords are the first targets of hackers and data thieves. If somebody gets your passwords that person can do everything that you can do - make calls on your VoIP account, withdraw money from your online bank account or apply for credit card in your name. Therefore it is highly essential that you use passwords that are hard to hack. Click here for tips on making strong passwords.

When you have created strong passwords, it is equally essential to protect these passwords. We are often told not to write down our passwords and most of us don't. But most of us don't think twice before storing our passwords online. Of course this way we can easily retrieve them. So can the data thieves once they get access to your pc. So don't say yes when your computer asks you whether you want it to 'remember' your password. It is better to store your passwords offline and devise a way to keep them in a safe place.

Another common practice to avoid is to use the same password for various online accounts - if your one password is compromised all of your accounts are at risk.

Use An Adapter
If you are using VoIP to make business calls or to exchange sensitive information, it is advisable not to use your pc to make phones because a trojan on your computer could record your phone calls.

Instead use an adapter to connect your phone directly with the internet bypassing your pc. This is what the internet phones do as they are connected with adapters which are often supplied by the internet phone providers when you sign up with them though in some cases you may have to buy your own device.

Remain Alert - Always
All these VoIP security precautions should keep your VoIP phone safe. But security is a never-ending process. It is not like do-this-and-you-are-safe kind of thing You have to be on your toes - develop sort of a security consciousness to keep abreast of new developments. Both on the new threats that emerge and the ways to combat them. This is true not only of VoIP security but any kind of security including fraud protection.

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