Adoption of VoIP networks has increased in leaps and bounds over the last few years. Today, many individuals and businesses use VoIP extensively for making voice calls. Along with this widespread use of VoIP, however, come some security issues. It is possible for hackers to access VoIP networks to eavesdrop on calls, change caller IDs, disrupt phone calls, or even send unwanted messages through the network.
To prevent hackers from engaging in such acts, some VoIP service providers are beefing up their security, but there is a still a long way to go in securing these networks. This is because the security of VoIP resources is dependent to some extent on the security strength of the client organization's network infrastructure. Despite this dependence, there are some areas that VoIP providers can work on to improve the overall security of their service.
Reuben Yonatan, founder and tech enthusiast at GetVoIP.com (News - Alert), recently outlined some of the ways in which VoIP security can be strengthened, including the suggestions listed below.
1. Voice and Data Should be Separate
To improve the security of VoIP network, it is important to separate voice from data because malware and viruses tend to get transmitted through files. This way the chances for voice calls to get hacked is less.
2. Secure Session Internet Protocols (SIPS)
SIP alone does not protect against hacking because they are not encrypted. To overcome this limitation, SIPS were introduced where messages are encrypted and sent over the Transport Layer Security (TLS) channel, according to Rueben Yonatan of Business Solutions. Hence, SIPS makes it more difficult for hackers to break the encryption, ad helps to protect data.
3. Constant Training
VoIP providers should work with client organizations to provide training to clients' employees on VoIP security. This training will raise the awareness levels within the organization, and will educate non-IT employees on the best practices.
These suggestions can go a long way in improving the security of VoIP calls.
Edited by Alisen Downey