3WTel’s Superior VoIP - Lightyears Ahead in VoIP Security and Dial-Up Capability
Hackers can easily access confidential information from customers of VoIP services that utilize open and interpretable industry standard codec and industry standard protocol. VoIP services offering secure lines hosted on proprietary patented technology are reaping the benefits because of the optimal security it creates.
(PRWEB) January 31, 2005 -- Combining the features and convenience of the
telephone with the power of the Internet creates a VoIP (computer phone) that
allows users to save up to 80% off their current phone bills. As droves of
individuals and companies seek to incorporate this revolutionary technology,
many unwittingly sacrifice their personal and corporate security in an effort to
attain their assured savings.
John Ashcroft, Attorney General, in remarks
at the High Technology Crime Investigation Association 2004 International
Training Conference held on September 13, 2004 stated, “We have seen worms and
viruses attack…disrupting basic services…And with the increased use of the
Internet and especially peer-to-peer networking, we have seen malicious code
spread more quickly and infect more personal computers than ever before. The
cost of these worms, viruses, and denial-of-service attacks…reaches into the
billions of dollars.”
Over 90% of VoIP service providers operate using
industry standard codec (encryption codes) and industry standard protocols.
Industry standard codec and industry standard protocols are open and
interpretable to the public. Unscrupulous hackers frequently target or launch
their attacks against vulnerable customers of these types of unprotected,
un-secure services. Peer-to-peer (P2P) systems operate on industry standard
codec and industry standard protocols.
A Staff Report submitted by the
Government Reform Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives (May 2003),
entitled “File-Sharing Programs and Peer-to-Peer Networks – Privacy and Security
Risks”, stated that users of these programs have inadvertently made their
personal information available to other users. “A search of one P2P network
found at least 2,500 Microsoft Money backup files, which stores the users’
personal financial records, available for download.”
Personal information
includes tax returns containing your name, address, and social security numbers
of not only you, but your spouse and dependents, financial information such as
income and investments, medical records, business files such as contracts and
personnel evaluations, to name a few.
Instant Message (IM) services
create a targeted vulnerability for users. Many vendors offering Instant
Messaging (IM) services have added new capabilities such as voice messaging and
file sharing. Among others, AOL, Microsoft, and Yahoo offer these IM services.
Clients of IM services are easy prey for the community of hackers. Using a
simple monitoring program, the plain text from Instant Messaging can be easily
captured and creates vulnerability to electronic eavesdropping.
In one
version of AOL’s Instant Messenger, aka AIM, a user was found to have been the
target of a hacker attack. The villainous hacker had crafted a URL which, when
clicked by the user with AIM of their desktop, allowed the hacker to execute a
virus on the victim’s system. What is particularly sinister about this is that
AIM does not have to be running for this type of virus to be deployed. What can
we, as consumers do? Start by educating ourselves. Here are five specific areas
that should be used as a litmus test for achieving optimal security when
considering a VoIP service provider:
1. Call Security
A VoIP provider
needs to use a proprietary codec, as well as proprietary audio packets that are
compressed before transporting over the Internet. Using a proprietary patented
technology software that can interpret the data and proprietary packets, would
offer optimal protection with call security.
2. Client-Server Model
A
VoIP provider using a highly secure firewall in the professionally hosted
facility would optimize security from a client-server model
perspective.
3. Computer Phone Identity
A VoIP provider’s installation
should incorporate computer phone identification and thus prevent spoofing. In
order to accomplish this, first a password should be required to protect against
unauthorized installation. Each computer phone’s setup process should combine
the phone name and hardware data from the PC on which it was installed to create
a unique ID string that is only known to the server that is behind a highly
secure firewall in a professionally hosted facility. This unique ID should
prevent one person from reconfiguring their computer phone to spoof another, as
well as prevent copying the software on another computer without going through
the password protection installation process. This optimally protects computer
phone identity.
4. Computer Phone Setup
When turning on your computer,
the computer phone should immediately begin an initialization procedure. This
basically means that the computer phone first discovers its ability to reach a
secure server prior to activation. In addition, once initialized, it enables a
user to move securely from one network to another without compromising
security.
5. Monitoring Capability
A VoIP provider with a strong
security model should include access to a visual auditing mechanism that
monitors usage and activity, thus enabling users to review their history of
incoming and outgoing calls, as well as charges to telephones or cell
phones.
Because 3WTel’s Superior VoIP operates on a high end encryption
codec with proprietary patented technology in a professionally hosted facility,
customers enjoy optimal security and peace of mind while using their computer
phone. It passes the litmus test with flying colors.
Not only is 3WTel’s
Superior VoIP lightyears ahead in VoIP security, but with its ability to be used
on dial up connections, as well as satellite, cable, and wireless, they remain
in a superior class compared to other VoIP service providers. Experience a 7 day
free VoIP computer phone trial on optimally secure lines at http://www.keepintouch4free.com
Contact Info:
Name:
Dee Scrip
Phone: 412-571-1855
Email: e-mail protected from spam
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/1/prweb203313.htm