Securing Your Internet Phone System

Running phone calls over an Internet Protocol network can save money by reducing per-call fees and taxes. But security considerations can eat into your savings - or swallow them whole - if the bad guys bring down your voice network.

Here are a few potential problem areas with a telephone system based on Internet protocols, according to Gartner's Meta Group:

1. Calls may be intercepted.

2. Other network services may be open to attack because of vulnerabilities in the telephony implementation.

3. Internet-based phone equipment can be used to make unauthorized calls or commit fraud.

4. Voice service may be degraded or interrupted. Attacks can …