Security Considerations for Voice Over IP Systems Recommendations of the National Institute of Standards and Technology

Voice over IP - the transmission of voice over packet-switched IP networks - is one of the most important emerging trends in telecommunications. As with many new technologies, VOIP introduces both security risks and opportunities. VOIP has a very different architecture than traditional circuit-based telephony, and these differences result in significant security issues. Lower cost and greater flexibility are among the promises of VOIP for the enterprise, but VOIP should not be installed without careful consideration of the security problems introduced. Administrators may mistakenly assume that since digitized voice travels in packets, they can simply plug VOIP components into their already-secured networks and remain secure. However, the process is not that simple. This publication explains the challenges of VOIP security for agency and commercial users of VOIP, and outlines steps needed to help secure an organization's VOIP network. VOIP security considerations for the public switched telephone network (PSTN) are largely outside the scope of this document.