Why VoIP Security Matters To You
VoIP use is becoming more and more prevalent meaning businesses are at risk to lose real money from hacker attacks. Even though VoIP can be used over secure, encrypted networks sometimes businesses focus more on functionality than security.
Microsoft’s acquisition of Skype, effectively turning Microsoft into a phone company, has forced them to deal with VoIP security in a big way. Government agencies are demanding access from them to listen in on these VoIP calls.
Microsoft’s patent application for a way to intercept and record VoIP communication might have been unwitting foresight but, that’s another story. The fact is that VoIP calls and networks can be compromised.
ClueCon’s VoIP Security Discussion
This year’s ClueCon Telephony User and Devloper Conference features PGP creator Philip R. Zimmermann headlining the VoIP security roundtable session on August 10th, 2011 along with representatives from various software projects and service providers, all of whom have “in the trenches” experience with VoIP security.
ClueCon representatives explain further:
“Until recently, most of us probably had not heard of Lulz Security. Right or wrong, their hacking activities have proven beyond a shadow of a doubt two important points: Security is important, and good security is hard to find.
Couple that with the fact that there are hundreds of millions of VoIP endpoints installed around the world with more every day. IP PBX’s and SIP trunks are ubiquitous.
Skype has well over half a billion users. VoIP security matters, whether you are a developer, a provider, or even simply the end user.”
Goodbye LulzSec, Hello Hacktivist Copycats
Lulz Security’s recent announcement that they’re disbanding doesn’t mean
other cyberattack brothers in arms haven’t already picked up right where they’ve left off.
VoIP systems can be manipulated like any other software or IP network. For the most up to date information about attacks, call hijacking, and eavesdropping register for ClueCon and join the VoIP security discussion August 9-11, 2011 in Chicago.
2 Comments
Great article and Security surrounding VOIP is always at the highest priority.
My phone company wants me to switch to VOIP. I wondered how secure it is so I found this site while searching for informaiton. Thanks for the info. After reading this and other sites, I think I’ll stick with the phone line I have.