By Sharla Sikes

Security threats have dogged VoIP since its popular acceptance. Yesterday I talked about general security information; here’s a little more detail.

There are four types of threats to VoIP communications, according to a Mac News World article. Users are vulnerable to social threats such as misrepresentation, theft of services and unwanted contact; eavesdropped calls may reveal confidential information about individuals or businesses; hackers may tap into a VoIP network and cause denial of service attacks; and an “interception and modification attack,” which can prevent, terminate or reroute a call.

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By Sharla Sikes

The benefits of VoIP have been much trumpeted, for individuals as well as small and medium businesses. But there are drawbacks, as well.

VoIP security issues have plagued the industry since it became popularly accepted. Since it is data, it is hackable, with results ranging from simple malicious mischief to identity theft and other crimes.

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By Sharla Sikes

VoIP is a relatively young industry—young in the terms of it becoming mainstream, that is, not the technology itself. When it first became widely accepted, there were many small, independent providers of the service.

Now, recent trends show more and more consolidations, as larger telecommunications firms snap up the independents and startups.

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By Sharla Sikes

In the increasingly competitive world of IP communications, Skype is determined to keep its name at the top of the list.

One of the first to offer internet calling, Skype introduced a new package featuring unlimited international calling for a flat rate of $9.95 per month.

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By Sharla Sikes

Clare, a manufacturer of solid-state relays and high voltage integrated circuits, announced the availability of its CPC5712, a phone line monitor with detectors integrated circuit. The PLMD is designed for use in high-voltage telephony applications including VoIP gateways and IP PBXs.

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By Sharla Sikes

Well, last year anyway. The minute it hit stores, customers were looking for the hack that would open it up to VoIP and other applications, and it didn’t take long.

Now, new downloadable applications continue to flourish for the iPhone, and fring is the latest to join the game.

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By Sharla Sikes

Voice over IP phone systems seem to be the new product of choice for many small and medium businesses, allowing all the features of a high-end phone system as well as a lower cost.

Applications and products are popping up everywhere trying to appeal to businesses in that category.

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Several years ago, SPam over Internet Telephony (SPIT) was merely a security issue that hadn’t yet manifested. In fact, NewScientist was predicting SPIT back in 2004. However, many naysayers felt that the fear of SPIT was simply “paranoid media coverage” that would never come to fruition. Ah, if only that were true. It looks like those who discounted the threat of SPIT must now eat some humble pie.

SPIT is not only a reality these days, it’s a quickly growing problem. No, it’s not as common as the Viagra spam in your email bulk folder, but it has definitely arrived. Skype users, in particular, are seeing a rise of instant messages from spammers with fake accounts. As companies scramble around in an attempt to stem these attacks, we the users are left to defend ourselves.

Below are five ways to protect yourself against SPIT: …click here to read more

By Sharla Sikes

New for business, or for teenagers who talk a lot: new VoIP conferencing phones from Polycom are now available. The two new models feature high-definition voice and other unique features.

Polycom’s SoundStation® IP 7000 and IP 6000 were released today, called “next-generation” IP phones, according to Polycom.

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By Sharla Sikes

By now you’ve read that VoIP is growing for businesses and private citizens, in the United States, Europe, Australia, Asia and elsewhere in the world. It just makes sense for the same reasons to many people: Cost, features, management, simplicity.

Another boon to the boom: New jobs. Especially in the U.S., facing increased outsourcing and a possible recession (depending on who you ask, it’s happening now), any sort of economic boost is good news.

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