When it comes to security, VoIP is just as vulnerable to attack as any other IP communications medium. Fraud in the VoIP industry is, unfortunately, something that often goes unnoticed and usually does a significant amount of damage before anyone has realized damage is done.
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.
It is important for businesses to secure not only their computers, but their VoIP networks as well. 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.
Softswitch providers like REDCOM offer services and solutions that come equipped with security right in the system. Its HDX offering, a softswitch and media gateway, preserves all the functionality and investment in legacy assets in addition to providing a safe passage to modern VoIP technology.
TRANSip, REDCOM’s (News - Alert) VoIP technology suite, offers an extra layer of security for VoIP traffic with the ability to encrypt calls. Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol (SRTP) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) are available to encrypt the SIP call signaling and client authentication to ensure confidential communications, thereby eliminating VoIP fraud.
There are several ways that telecommunication services may be fraudulently accessed, but it is possible to take steps to minimize fraud exposure on your network. Using the right technology and solutions, like REDCOM’s HDX can ensure a safe and secure communications environment.
Edited by Rachel Ramsey