Securing VoIP
Information Note Number: IN03-001
19 June 2003
Purpose
This paper will focus on the emerging trend towards Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony services and related security concerns.
Audience
This study is primarily intended for Canadian critical infrastructure owners and operators who make use of, or are considering the use of, VoIP technology to enhance their mission critical operations.
This paper may also aid small- and medium-sized private industries who are seeking to derive the benefits of VoIP technology, but are unaware of the potential security implications.
Executive summary
- Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony is an emerging technology, forecasted to become a ubiquitous technological tool for business.
- Properly securing emerging technologies is often initially overlooked in favour of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- VoIP technology is becoming increasingly used in the mission critical systems of Canadian critical infrastructure owners and operators.
- Multiple points of entry make VoIP networks susceptible to hackers.
- VoIP networks can be susceptible to denial of service attacks.
- VoIP networks can be "spoofed" in a variety of ways.
- Basic security measures and procedures provide a worthwhile baseline to securing networks; however, VoIP does present some unique challenges
Click here to download full text of report (PDF 120KB)
Note to Readers
The Canadian Cyber Incident Response Centre (CCIRC) provides a focal point for Canada's cyber threat and vulnerability warning, analysis and response. CCIRC is responsible for assuring the resilience of national critical infrastructure through monitoring threats and coordinating a federal response to cyber security incidents of national interest. CCIRC operates in conjunction with the Government Operations Centre (GOC) within Public Safety Canada and is a key component of the government's all-hazards approach to emergency management and national security.
For general information, please contact Public Safety Canada's Public Affairs division at:
Telephone: 613-944-4875 or 1-800-830-3118
Fax: 613-998-9589
E-mail: communications@ps-sp.gc.ca