Any system that relies on using computers and the internet is bound to raise concerns over the risk of it being subject to cyber attack. VoIP is no exception to this; indeed attacks on systems using the SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) are happening with surprising regularity.
IBM’s Security Intelligence Group found that as far back as 2016, attacks on SIP systems accounted for around half of all security events detected. This isn’t surprising as SIP is one of the most commonly used communication protocols.
Attacks on SIP systems australia telegram are often carried out using specially crafted messages. These can cause servers and other equipment that is vulnerable, by not being up to date with the latest patches, for example, to fail thus leading to system outages and loss of service.
Using proprietary protocols is no guarantee of safety either. IBM’s study found that the Cisco Skinny Client Control Protocol (SCCP) was vulnerable to attack too, although attacks on this protocol have been declining. Attacks often come in the form of probes, looking for weaknesses that the hackers can later exploit to compromise the system.
Shared vulnerabilities
By its very nature VoIP routes calls through the same networks as other internet and network traffic. This leaves it open to the same vulnerabilities. Attackers can therefore intercept, capture or modify traffic. They can also launch assaults aimed at denial of service, making the service unavailable for legitimate users.
It’s also common for hackers to try to steal the VoIP service to make calls on someone else’s account. This is known as ‘toll fraud’. It’s always a popular technology with scammers who are able to spoof caller IDs to make it appear that calls are originating from a legitimate business. This facilitates the launch of phishing or other attacks aimed at perpetrating frauds. Of course, it adds to the scourge of spam calls too. Attackers can also attempt to disrupt a business’ operations by flooding its network with thousands of junk calls originating from automated dialling systems.