Differences in VoIP architecture compared to traditional land lines have resulted in a number of issues associated with VoIP Security. Differences in VoIP architecture compared to traditional land lines have resulted in a number of issues associated with VoIP Security.

As with all new technologies, there are many opportunities as well as risks involved with VoIP, which can be very damaging to individuals, small businesses, and large corporations alike. Therefore VoIP Security must be a primary consideration before benefits such as flexibility and low costs.

Although VoIP is digitised voice travelling in 'packets' over a network, which may seem like 'any other data', the technology behind VoIP adds complications.

It would be misleading for VoIP users or administrators to assume that their already secure networks would handle VoIP calls without any potential risks involved, so inevitably, some further security measures are necessary.   

For everyday residential users, VoIP Security is mostly a matter of preventing others from eavesdropping on conversations as well as having some protection when telephone banking, or when security details are exchanged by both parties.

Business users face some added challenges with VoIP Security. Since many businesses operate their own gateways and other equipment for connecting to the Internet, they are more susceptible to the Denial of Service (DOS) attacks or other kinds of malicious hacking.

Viruses could potentially overload VoIP networks causing delays and reduction in sound quality. Although this is a threat that hasn''t actually been seen yet, it is a concern for many businesses.

VoIP is also susceptible to spam, where users could be hit by hundreds of marketing calls trying to sell services or products.

VoIP Security concerns can be addressed in a couple of ways. The first method is through encryption, just like when you enter a credit card number on a web page. The second option is to separate VoIP data from other Internet traffic by using a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN). However, employing both these methods can affect call quality. Quality of Service (QoS) is essential to the operation of a VoIP network which meets the user's quality expectations.  As previously mentioned, taking these measures can cause deterioration in QoS.

Some VoIP service providers do offer VoIP Security through the means of encryption or separate data routes (VLAN). Businesses in particular need to be concerned about VoIP Security issues and be aware of the risks involved when considering moving to VoIP technology to ensure customer confidence is not affected.