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Posted on 04.06.07 by Admin @ 9:37 pm
VoIP security has been called in question recently, though there is little evidence to indicate that VoIP security is any less than conventional telephony systems. VoIP voice data is transmitted via a packet-switched data network using IP. VoIP systems can carry a significant higher number of calls, and very much faster, than traditional PSTN networks due to compression of the voice packets, modern broadband technology and a number of other gateway developments which have reduced the previous packet delivery problems to an extent that the protocol is now a viable mainstream telephony solution to most business needs. VoIP security should therefore be shown to be at least as effective as that of traditional telephone systems. There is actually very little difference between VoIP security and that required for any other type of data transmission system. Look on it the same as you do your email system. The same as your office LAN if you have one. You probably have a system in operation whereby only authorized personnel can use certain aspects of the network. VoIP security can, and do, use the same techniques. However, having said that, let’s have a look at potential weak points in VoIP security that budding hackers may see as good points of attack. IP PBX CALL MANAGEMENT BOXES PBX stands for Private Branch Exchange, and is piece of software running on a server. It’s function is to deal with all the switches and connections involved in the telephone system. These can be attacked by hackers or viruses which could compromise sensitive data. VoIP security systems are designed with this risk in mind. PBX equipment should be placed behind firewalls, locked down and regularly monitored for unwarranted intrusions using intrusion-detection software. It is also possible to put the server in a different domain from the rest of the system, making it much more difficult for intruders to reach. PBX security is a basic aspect of VoIP security systems GATEWAYS AND DATA PACKETS The gateway’s job is to convert voice to data packets, transmit them then receive and convert the packets back into voice. These are a potential VoIP security risk in that thy can be hacked into unless there is an access-control system in place to prevent unauthorized people from accessing the system. VoIP calls should only be permitted to specific people, and most good VoIP security systems allow only authorized user to operate VoIP systems under password control. The data packets themselves can be hacked into using data-sniffing techniques. This can be a serious VoIP security risk and packet sniffers, as they are often called, capture binary data passing through your network and can reroute it to a computer on another network for decoding into a readable form. In order to do this, the ‘sniffers’ has to be on the same network wire as the packet is using to reach its destination. The problem in installing an effective VoIP security system is that there is usually a lot of information passing at any one time, and the hacker has a higher probability of getting useful information than from a conventional telephone system. Encrypting VoIP traffic and routing it through a virtual private network would reduce the VoIP security risk, and most corporate systems have multiple encryption layers for external messages. Internal security could be improved by running internal VoIP messages through this corporate network. Small businesses should seek the advice of their supplier, or of a security expert if they feel that they may be subject to such attacks. However, VoIP security advisors can point small to medium companies in the right direction. Corporate VoIP security is generally not so much problem in that it is normally contracted out to expert advisers. In the final analysis, however, there are no real differences between VoIP security and the normal security concerns associated with any data network service, such as normal office internet and email LANs. The security firewalls and restricted access to use, common on these systems, should suffice to deal with VoIP security Copyright 2006 Peter Nisbet About The Author Filed under: VOIP News Comments: None |
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Posted on 04.06.07 by Admin @ 9:37 pm
I have been in telecom for 12 years and for 12 years I have spoken to my mom at least once a week if not more. She always asks me how is work? Are you still doing that little telephone thing? About six months ago she called me up because she had heard something that may be of interest to me on her talk radio program earlier that morning. She did not want to forget to ask me about it so she wrote it down, (my mom will not call before 5 because she still believes the calling rates go down in half after 5), but she can’t seem to find the paper she just had in her hands- she asked if I could hold a minute. After I hear the rotary phone hit the counter and a bunch papers rustling- she gets back on the phone with her revelation. She is going to spell it for me and she wants to know if I am ready to write it down. They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again….expecting a different result. So here I am insane and armed with a pen she starts to spell it for me V-O-I-P. VoIP….. My mom wants to know if I have ever heard of it. I respond with a yes mom that is what I do. She responds with an OK I just wanted to make sure you knew about this new way of calling. They say it is really going to become popular. On that note I shifted the conversation. Time passed and two weeks ago I called my mom and I got the where have you been? Working mom on a product for small businesses that already have an existing phone system and want to use VoIP. I proceeded with explaining how it will save companies a lot of money on their monthly phone bills and in some cases up to 70%. She responds with “Well Lisa, VoIP- now is what you are doing legal? I was stunned and amused so I responded with well mom I guess I will be find out soon enough if it is legal. It is not like I live a life of a criminal, but as far as my parents and their age group 60-80 if it is new and innovative……it is probably illegal or a scam. Senior Citizens are the fastest growing population in America accessing the internet today. They also have the most discretionary income. The VoIP providers are really missing out on this market by not educating seniors about VoIP and the amount of savings they can save a month or annually on the phone service. So as it stands now my mom thinks I am a thug, but the good news is she sent me a clipping from one of her magazines with a little note attached that read Google have you heard of them? About The Author Filed under: VOIP News Comments: None |
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Posted on 03.21.06 by Admin @ 1:59 am
Making the Switch to Voice Over IP
Copyright 2006 Dave Markel
VoIP is very cost effective as the monthly fee is lower than regular telephone networks. More than that, VoIP also integrate call forwarding and call display, options that are extra charged by the phone companies. Thus more and more people are attracted by this idea and tend to replace their phone lines with VoIP. Before taking such a decision it would be a good idea to keep some things in mind.
You might lose your old number once you switch to VoIP. This is not necessarily to happen, especially if the VoIP provider offers local phone numbers but it would be wiser to check this aspect with both your future VoIP provider and current phone company.
Due to its characteristics, a 911 call from a VoIP connection can’t be tracked down and thus the operator won’t be able to determine your location if you are unable to speak. Actually in order to make emergency calls you will have to register your address with your VoIP provider. Therefore it would be best to keep a standard connection in case you ever need to make an emergency call. This drawback could be solved in the future as the protocol undergoes constant development.
Apparently, these drawbacks are no reasons not to switch to VoIP as thousands of people decide to try the Internet miracle. The first step to making your first VoIP call is choosing the right provider for your needs. Most offer by default call display or call waiting and forwarding but the thing you really have to be careful is the fees providers charge for overseas and long-distance calls. Consider the people you use to call when choosing your provider.
VoIP providers also offer additional phone numbers most of the times. Therefore, you can choose to have numbers in different cities. The advantage of this option is that people living in those cities can call you for the cost of local calls.
Analogue Telephone Adapters or ATA are special devices that allow you to use your standard phone with the VoIP service. Although they can be acquired separately, most of the times ATAs are supplied by your VoIP providers. The basic equipment needed for VoIP calls is an IP phone, a broadband modem and a router. Computers can be bypassed although they make accessing the VoIP account easier while modems and routers can be incorporated into stand-alone units.
Connecting to a VoIP account is an easy thing. You just have to plug the IP phone into the router and the router into the modem. Also, service calls don’t require any preinstalled equipment.
About the Author Dave Markel is the owner of a Voip Services Blog. Visit it at http://voip–services.blogspot.com Filed under: VOIP Advice Comments: None |
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