Legal and Security Concerns Associated with VoIP

VoIP technology has received many praises; however, it is still associated with certain pitfalls. Every technology, even the most beneficial and awesome has its downsides that we need to know and take well-timed measures against it. VoIP technology is based on voice communication being handled over the Internet. Though it has plenty of benefits, let us not to forget that it brings vulnerabilities, which all the net-based applications and services are exposed to. Business persons embracing the rising star of VoIP technology in the telecommunication firmament is a wise man, but he should be aware of certain security concerns and legal issues associated with it. 

Let us brief on the main issues. 

• Privacy 

VoIP has slashed deeply the costs of local and international calls, which means that employees will be enticed to make personal calls over the company network, which in its turn will force businesses to control those calls. Many companies allow their employees to make a distinguished amount of personal calls via company network, but this can turn into a problem if remained unchecked. How closely do managers monitor the employees`calls? 
Moreover, a VoIP system without unique security architecture may bring about legal headaches for businesses that dealt with sensitive data such as clients` credit information, patient records, etc. The problem is further aggravated if a company uses third-party VoIP services and applications as it becomes hard to verify the safety of data or the maintenance of privacy as these issues are beyond the company`s control.

• Major security issues

Though many companies have firewalls installed to secure the information, most don`t pay an appropriate attention to VoIP security, therefore putting the system at risk of hacking. Monitoring usage is the best way to prevent it. Another security risk associated with VoIP is voice phishing, AKA vishing. It`s not a secret, that many people trust phone lines more than Internet. According to the statistics, they are more vulnerable to different scams. For example, a person can receive an e-mail, which tells him to dial a certain number and verify financial data. Following these instructions, the person delivers the sensitive information right into the hands of scammers.

At the end let`s speak about omnipresent spam. Unfortunately, VoIP is vulnerable to be victimized by spamming. This is called Spam Over Internet Telephony, or Spit for short. Spit can flood voicemail boxes pushing out essential incoming messages. Moreover, the low cost VoIP services are used by direct sales people, telemarketers to increase their activity, which results in growing number of useless calls going to companies.