VoIP Risk To Users

IP Telephony also called Internet telephony or IP telephony, is the technology that makes it possible to have a telephone conversation where the signal is carried over the Internet or a dedicated network in Internet Protocol (IP) packets, instead of over dedicated voice transmission lines. This allows the elimination of circuit switching and the associated waste of bandwidth. Instead, packet switching is used, where IP packets with voice data are sent over the network only when data needs to be sent, for example, when a caller is talking.

Recent innovation has made it easy for almost everyone to enjoy the benefits of telephone calling through the Internet. You don't even have to own a computer to get connected to a VoIP network. However, as the service becomes more common, it has also been drawing the attention of online attackers and scam artists. Before you try VoIP, you should know the benefits and drawbacks, and the steps to take toward enhancing its security for your own.

Benefits of VoIP:
VoIP service for consumers is expanding rapidly across the country. It now offers the following features for both conventional telephone and cell phone customers:
•Easy to setup and use: The service is available through your telephone using a small adaptor. In most areas, there’s no need for computer to get started. Many major telephone, cable, and internet providers also plan to offer nationwide calling along with their other service packages.
•Voice storage: You can access VoIP voice mail online, store your conversations on your computer, and replay them whenever you like.

Risks of VoIP:
•Theft: Attackers who has successful access to a VoIP server can be easily accessed the stored voice data and phone service itself, making free calls using your account.
•Attack from viruses: A virus infected VoIP server computer could result in loss of phone service for you. It might also result to affecting other computers connected to that system.
•Unregulated technology: In spite of the regulation operation, users are still open to some specific vulnerabilities and scams. For instance, the use of VoIP by telemarketers can deliver enormous number of mechanical voice messages to consumers, sometimes resulting in a system shutdown. Criminals can also use the process called caller ID spoofing (displaying a false caller ID signature to call recipients) to commit fraud by posing as a trusted official to trick you into divulging sensitive account information.

Securing VoIP:
•Use a junction box: The junction box brings VoIP directly into your conventional phone without the use of a home computer. This helps insulate your phone from attacks and helps protect your computer from viruses that could pick up through the Internet. This junction box is often supplied by a VoIP provider with your service package.
•Keep strong, private passwords: Create strong passwords, preferably not found in the dictionary, to access the service web sites that store your voice mail and other audio data. Don’t share them with anyone.
•Help secure your own computer: When accessing your voice mail and VoIP account from a provider’s web site with your computer, keep that computer protected with strong passwords, firewall, antivirus, and computer updating software.

The two reasons of using the VoIP are to lower the cost and to increase its function. In general, VoIP costs less than the equivalent service from traditional sources. In most extreme cases, users see VoIP phone calls (even international) as FREE. While there is a cost for internet service, using VoIP over this service may not involve any extra charges, so they view the calls as free.

There are numerous services that have spring up to facilitate this type of “free” VoIP call. Examples are: Free World Dialup and Skype.

Increased Functionality:
With VoIP, some things that are difficult with traditional phone networks are made easy.
•Incoming phone calls are automatically routed to your VOIP phone where ever you plug it into the network. Take your VOIP phone with you on a trip, and anywhere you connect it to the Internet, you can receive your incoming calls.
•Call center agents using VOIP phones, can easily work from anywhere with a good Internet connection.