What is VoIP Penetration Testing?
Voice and data has been combined in a way that creates a single network but it has also created a new way for hackers to penetrate computer systems. The integration of voice and data has led to new risks to security that must be addressed with equally new approaches to protecting data. Called VoIP, the voice over internet protocol can be a new management tool for business success or it can be a big open window into your system that’s easy to enter.
VoIP penetration testing is designed to find that open window into the system and close it. Rigorous testing is done on the transmission technologies to determine where it is possible for the system to be breached. One of the mistakes companies make is believing the IP phones and related software have enough security controls built in to them already and they do not need additional enhancements.
How can the VoIP system be compromised or how does it allow unethical and criminal intent be carried out? There are lots of ways and one of them is as old as the telephone itself – eavesdropping. Inadequate security controls can also lead to attackers accessing the server data through the transmission technology, hackers stealing phone calls, service interruptions, and the use of sniffing tools.
When Manipulation is the Goal
VoIP penetration testing is a process whereby an attempt is made to purposely manipulate the VoIP system. All entry points into the WAN and/or LAN are tested and an attempt is made to gain access into the VoIP infrastructure. In other words, security experts try to penetrate both the VoIP system and then use it to see how deep a hacker can get into the computer system itself.