Around twelve WiFi VoIP handsets and phones have been put to the test by leading security experts, who say that security problems range from potential DoS attacks to more severe issues that allow “deep access” to the device that lets a hacker get hold of any sensitive information on the phone.
Problems like this inevitable. So where is the onus to prevent such problems? it has been posited that if we see practices like this develop as these devices become more prevalent then the manufacturers will only have themselves to blame when the security backlash comes back to haunt them.
VoIP hacking is the contemporary version of war dialing - a strategy of automatically scanning telephone numbers using a modem, usually dialing all phone number in a local area to find where computers or fax machines are available, then attempting to access them by guessing passwords.
Still there are actions people can take to limit security vulnerablities. Here’s a list of WiFi VOIP security issues, and some useful ways to protect against them:
Many points of attack:
As the VoIP phones get more advanced, so could the points of entry for malicious attacks increase. Email, client Web browsers, Bluetooth, SMS, WiFi, media players, and image viewers could all open back doors for hackers. Though users can use open-source and commercial tools to regularly test their phones and networks, they’ll ultimately have to rely on vendors to also do effective testing on these devices.
Targeting phones in public environments:
One way of doing this is a Bluetooth scanner could be concealed at the entrance to a major airport or train station and be used to grab user data. It may be best to keep Bluetooth and other wireless features swicthed off when not needed.
Rogue access points:
Other than this when at the office or on the road, users will have to always be wary and scan for rogue access points. Hackers will set up access points to target specifically WiFi phones in the corporate space as well as at conferences and other places business people like to congregate. Decent device authentication and encryption can help provide protection here.
Targeted attacks:
Select attacks on specific voice-over-wireless networks can also be an issue, although perhaps one that the victims may try to downplay.