Posted by admin on October 13th, 2008 — Posted in Technology Info, Telecommunication Tips + More
Around ten WiFi VoIP handsets and phones have been tested by top security experts, who say that security problems range from potential denial-of-service attacks to more severe problems that allow “deep access” to the handset that lets a hacker read any sensitive information on the phone.
Problems like this inevitable. So who should sort it out? It has been suggested that if we see practices like this develop as these devices get more popular then the manufacturers will only have themselves to blame when the security backlash comes back to haunt them.
VoIP hacking is the digital age’s version of war dialing - a method of automatically scanning telephone numbers using a modem, frequently dialing all phone number in a local area to find where computers or fax machines are available, then attempting to access them by guessing passwords.
Still there are steps people can take to limit security vulnerablities. Here’s a list of WiFi VOIP security issues, and some useful ways to guard against them:
Many directions of attack:
As the VoIP phones get more advanced, so could the points of entry for malicious attacks increase. Email, client Web browsers, Bluetooth, SMS, WiFi, media players, and image viewers could all give hackers a point of entry. Though users can use open-source as well as commercial tools to regularly test their phones and networks, they’ll ultimately have to rely on vendors to also do proactive testing on these VoIP devices.
Targeting phones in public environments:
For example a Bluetooth scanner could be concealed at the entrance to a major public space and be used to grab user data. It may be best to keep Bluetooth and other wireless features swicthed off when not needed.
Rogue access points:
Meanwhile at the office or on the road, customers will have to always be wary and scan for rogue access points. Hackers will set up access points to specifically target WiFi phones in a business environment as well as at hotels and other places business people like to get together. Good device authentication and encryption can help provide protection here.
Targeted attacks:
Targeted attacks on precise voice-over-wireless networks can also be an issue, albeit one that the victims may try to downplay.
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Posted by admin on July 17th, 2008 — Posted in Consumers Den, Technology Info, Telecommunication Tips + More
Ofcom, the telecoms regulation committee for the UK, has begun reviewing the Alternative Dispute Resolution. This task is being performed as a way to assist consumers, as many have no access to a practical form of dispute. Operators are asked to simplify their customer support systems, so consumers can make complaints in an easier fashion.
According to Ofcom, while a majority of complaints are taken seriously, other important ones are being neglected. Additionally, Ofcom suggests that a universal code will implement more practical regulation, allowing severe complaints to be regulated by their agency.
Most people are unaware of the correct fashion to communicate their common complaints. Rather than reasoning their arguments, complaints are often shouted through phones, degrading the functional process. Through the universal system, subscribers can make disputes successfully, also reducing the burden which is placed on unassuming support faculty. Particularly, it will grant additional rights to the broadband operator, allowing them to impose more specific procedures, rather than being forced to comply with customer standards.
According to research, only 15 percent of adults are aware other operator’s standards. Ofcom plans to increase this statistic, informing all clients of this new development.
As another aspect of this new system will be forced to dispatch written responses to consumers, regarding all received complaints. This may not go well with operators, but is a viable addition to the broadband industry.
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Posted by admin on July 16th, 2008 — Posted in Telecommunication Tips + More
The Nokia 1112 has proved a real winner for Nokia since its release in April 2006. Compared to some of the more popular phones for the price the 1112 is quite functional, if a little basic. Nokia have done a very good job on the interface of the Nokia 1112 making this mobile phone easy to use.
The ring-tones enabled on the 1112 are Polyphonic (20 channels), with MP3 grade tones along with a vibrating tone. In terms of the all important battery cell duration the Nokia 1112 has 380 hours standby charge and 5:00 talk time. The battery cell that comes with the 1112 is a Li-Ion 700 mAh (BL-5CA). The Nokia 1112 weighs only 80 g. In terms of colours the 1112 comes in, Red, Blue and Black. The Nokia 1112 is one of the smallest phones on the market. The 1112 is compatible with 2G GSM 850 / 1900 - US version . The display type on this handset is a Monochrome graphic. The 1112 also has:
Exchangeable covers
Built-in handsfree
Picture messaging
Speaking alarm and clock
Reminders
Demo mode for phone
This is now quite an old handset, but still does a great job. If you are offered one, in end of line clearance you will be able to steal yourself a really good buy. With the number of online stores now online it has never been more convenient or cheaper to purchase a mobile. Buying online can save you a lot of money, it is even possible to get a Nokia 1112 with 6 months free line rental , which may never cost very much at all, if anything.
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Posted by admin on July 8th, 2008 — Posted in Telecommunication Tips + More
Broadband phones are becoming more mainstream. There are articles whether broadband phone service reached a tipping point or not. What is clear, though, is that phone service delivered over the public internet is the future of telecommunications.
Let’s take a step back and examine what the uses are for broadband phone service. More specifically, the technology behind it. Broadband phone service is utilized by a technology called Voice Over IP (Internet Protocol), or VoIP. It utilizes the bandwidth (the “speed” in layman’s terms) to send voice packets. These packets are sent like any other data (i.e. email, web browsing etc.). When they reach their destination the data packets are reconstructed and converted into voice!
All of this happens in a fraction of a second but many issues can arise to degrade the broadband phone service quality. A slow connection, bad phone, over-utilized bandwidth and a bad service provider can all degrade the quality of the phone call.
While broadband phone service uses VoIP not all VoIP is using broadband phone service, at least in the traditional sense. Companies with multiple office can communicate using VoIP over direct connections or over the public Internet. Even though between the remote offices they are communicating over VoIP when a call is made outside the company they can still use regular phone service (PSTN or T-1 service). This allows them to take advantage of Voice Over IP without the detriments of broadband phone service.
There are usually significant cost savings by using broadband phone service that can alleviate the negative effects of service quality. For the general consumer this might be an acceptable trade-off. But a commercial enterprise might not want to accept this risk.
Another issue that arises with broadband phone service providers is their longevity. Since it’s relatively inexpensive to start a VoIP company you should be extra cautious about the background of the company before you commit your number. Many consumers have been burnt by using new companies who offered too good to be true deals. Sometimes when it’s “too good to be true” it IS too good to be true. Buyer beware.
There are many cool features that broadband phone companies provide. For example, many of them email you your voice-mails. You can open your email and listen to the audio attachment on your computer. Some also offer a voice menu system that you can change, when you want, on their website.
As the technology matures and the quality gets better broadband phone service will be the norm and old legacy phones will be just that, a legacy from the past.
Cy Yablonsky is a Realtor Associate with ERA Othello Realty, with a strong concentration in technology. Visit Real Estate in NJ to visit the http://www.OthelloRealty.com website. You have permission to reproduce this article as long as this paragraph and all links are live.
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