The Technology behind VoIP

Exerpt: Hackers are renowned for creating security concerns with the development of any technology. With the advent of VoIP a number of these hackers have resorted to hijacking the technology for malicious purposes. This article explores the threat from hackers as well as the measures that have been taken to counter the effects of these hackers.
If you’ve been going through the news lately, you’ll have heard so much mentioned about VoIP. VoIP is a new and evolving technology which converts voice into digital signals and then transmits it over the Internet.
Before the data is transported it is broken down into packets. These packets are then reassembled into the original data on the receiving end. This technology produces a lot of savings on long distance and international calls. This ultimately improves productivity in business. With all the advancements in VoIP certain security threats also exist. Data being transmitted over the Internet is subject to attacks.
Because VoIP uses the Internet in order to send data, you have a harmful situation where this data can be intercepted during transmission. Hackers are aware of this and have started creating havoc. These hackers have stolen personal details and financial information due to lack of efficient firewalls. Viruses have also been used to disrupt services and damage systems.
The latest thing with hackers is to hack into VoIP networks and make free calls along with caller-id spoofing where the number on the receiver’s caller id display can easily be controlled.
VoIP providers have seen the danger and they have been working at solutions in order to provide security solutions for their customers. Tunneling and encryption have also been used to aid them in these tasks. Most VoIP service providers utilize Layer 2 Tunneling and SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption to keep information confidential and safe.
Layer 2 Tunneling performs as a data link layer protocol. It also tunnels network traffic between two existing peers over an already existent network. It assists in securing public networks by providing a link for all encrypted data; the needed security comes from layered protocols that may exist above or below it.
Currently every browser in existence supports SSL technology. SSL permits the encryption of data and sensitive material being transmitted over the Internet. It also secures HTTP channels as well. Also contained here is unique and authenticated information about the owner. Another thing that is verified is the owners’ identity. Public key encryption and private key decryption are also supplied.
Along with the security methods supplied by the VoIP provider, users can also secure themselves through various means. You should ensure that software is kept current. Updates may be knows as firmware updates and they will protect against attacks on problem areas that have been identified. Users may also use current anti-virus software as well. They can in addition to this, take advantage of the security options supplied by their providers. Firewalls should also be installed and enabled and this prevents infections as well. Security settings should be evaluated as well but the choices that will not place a person at risk should be selected
Different dangers await data that is being transmitted over the Internet with the use of VoIP technology. Transmissions may be easily intercepted by hackers who have compromised certain paths in the transmission of this data. However this will not cause a decline in the popularity or the growth of VoIP. The benefits of the service are greater than any trouble currently being experienced. Providers are addressing all security situations and with some vigilance from individuals the security will prevent hackers from their dastardly acts.

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