Making phone calls and participating in video conferences from anywhere in the globe is now simple thanks to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology. However, risks accompany benefits, and one such risk that people and businesses need to be aware of is VoIP wiretapping. The act of intercepting and listening to VoIP calls is known as VoIP wiretapping.
This can be accomplished via taking advantage of VoIP network flaws, eavesdropping on data packets carrying the call, or breaking into the user’s device. VoIP wiretapping has major repercussions since it might jeopardise critical information and jeopardise both human and corporate privacy.
The risks associated with VoIP wiretapping have been made clear by a number of recent cases.
In 2013, the Syrian Electronic Army broke into the Associated Press’ Twitter account and published a false news item, sending the financial markets into chaos. They said that the assault was conducted through VoIP wiretapping.
The popular VoIP software Viber has a flaw that, according to Israeli security researchers, allowed attackers to intercept and listen in on talks. This was proved by intercepting a call between the Israeli Prime Minister and the German Chancellor. In 2021, it came to light that governments had been secretly monitoring journalists, activists, and political adversaries by intercepting VoIP conversations in addition to other types of communication.
India has also experienced its fair share of VoIP wiretapping incidents, such as the Essar Leaks in 2016 and the IPL Scandal in 2013, both of which involved VoIP wiretapping being used to gain an advantage in the Indian Premier League.
Individuals and companies can take a number of precautions to guard against VoIP wiretapping. These consist of using trustworthy VoIP service providers, creating strong passwords, and exercising caution when sharing information over VoIP. To safeguard the confidentiality of VoIP calls, authentication and encryption techniques can also be used.
Despite the fact that VoIP technology has made communication more easy, VoIP wiretapping threats still exist and must be taken into consideration. In order to guarantee the security and privacy of their communications, people and organisations must be alert and take precautions to protect themselves from these hazards.
- The VoIP Security Alliance (VoIPSA) — A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting VoIP security best practices and standards.
2. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) — Provides guidelines and resources for secure VoIP implementations.
3. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) — Provides information and resources for consumers and businesses on VoIP and internet-based phone services.
4. The SANS Institute — Offers training and certification courses in VoIP security and other cybersecurity topics.
5. The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) — Develops and maintains VoIP security protocols and standards.
By leveraging these resources, individuals and businesses can stay informed about the latest threats and best practices for securing their VoIP communications. It is important to stay up to date on the latest developments in VoIP security and take proactive steps to protect against potential threats.
