Already, the government is realizing the potential of VoIP technology. Local governments release Amber Alerts to telecom, e-mail and data networks; hospitals immediately notify health-care providers of an emergency by relaying voice messages through networks to the appropriate individuals; and the recently implemented FCC E911 mandate will presumably improve emergency response by enabling such things as the transmission of photos from a crime scene to a 911 operator via data over IP. "Anytime anything touches the Internet, all sorts of advantages become possible," said Jim Kohlenberger, executive director of the VON Coalition. "A little extra information can go a long way."
But before the full potential of VoIP can be realized, the private sector needs to help government work out some kinks. For example, it's easier to analyze and attack VoIP traffic because of the high-performance requirements and combination of voice and data on the same network; eavesdropping becomes easier, and Spam over Internet Telephony (SPIT) poses a looming threat.
"How do we filter traffic? How do we categorize the type of attacks and get a sense of priority about those attacks? That's something industry may be able to provide input on," said Richard Kuhn, a computer scientist in the computer security division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The solution comes down to advancements in technology and best practices. Encryption is essential, Kuhn said, with different requirements existing for government agencies.
"Those selling into government need to be aware of that," he said. "There also appears to be different requirements for record retention for VoIP than other systems. This is something agencies look at very closely when purchasing solutions."
However, as with most wireless technologies, security need not pose impending doom. Most vulnerabilities, while very real, can be avoided through the combined efforts of government and telecom solution providers. "Security is critical," Kohlenberger said. "But some of it is overhyped. SPIT,for example, is a lot like Big Foot. No one's seen it, but if we do, it will be big and hairy."
Autor: Jill R. Aitoro and Jill A. Aitoro
Quelle: VARBusiness, 21.07.2005
