TMCnews Featured Article

In spite of misunderstandings, some decision makers feel that VoIP is insecure, but the truth of the matter is there are plenty of sophisticated defense measures like firewalls, redundancy and encryption to ensure solid, reliable security. VoIP is safe in the same way online banking is safe, as they share the same data lines. That doesn’t mean the IT folk should rest on their laurels when it comes to protecting their VoIP systems. It’s kind of a big deal, and here’s why:

VoIP fraud is a very real potential problem for any company and can be destructive. While protection from business VoIP fraud has improved significantly through the years, hackers are still at large and they are constantly coming up with new schemes and angles to break-in and wreak havoc. That is why it is up to businesses and enterprises to protect their VoIP borders in addition to their data networks.

VoIP is especially susceptible to fraud because of its inherent relationship to high-speed Internet connections. The Internet offers hackers both an easier point of entry than a traditional landline based phone as well as the possibility to sell more minutes.

Of course, you want to stay protected from VoIP fraud as well.

VoIP fraud describes a crime where an individual or organization devises methods to breech PBX (News - Alert) security and gain unauthorized access to PBX resources, including the ability to dial long-distance calls through the PBX. Once access is gained, the selling of this information can lead to very large telephone bills, accumulating in a period of days or even hours.

According to the Communication Fraud Control Association in 2011, worldwide phone fraud caused by compromising phone systems cost consumers approximately five billion dollars.

The most effective way of avoiding VoIP fraud is to ensure you have a secure phone network. What you need is user authentication, access control and suitable encryption. These may involve protection such as a voice firewall.

Ideally, the firewall should secure your phone network, monitor it continuously and report on usage.

Is your VoIP network secure?