Security fails to keep up with IM and VoIP technology

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Security is falling behind the development and usage of instant messaging (IM) and VoIP technologies, according to a new study.

The survey of 291 UK companies, carried out by Infosecurity Europe, found that 93 per cent of respondents thought that usage of these communication technologies is moving faster than the corresponding security, leaving users to attack from hackers.

The research also carried out interviews with 20 chief security officers of large UK enterprises and found that IM is now so prevalent in organisations that large volumes of financial transactions being carried out over IM. CSO's are concerned that as IM allows encrypted data traffic it could be an undetectable source of data leakage.

While the uptake in VoIP is still relatively small for large corporate, smaller organisations are embracing it as a means of cutting costs. However, these businesses are starting to experience data leakage security problems associated with the technology.

Marika Konings, European Affairs director at the Cyber Security Industry Alliance (CSIA) said that the convergence of communications networks, devices and content has enabled service providers to deliver newer, faster and more advanced services including voice, data, video and applications - all over a single IP network.

"While these rapid technology advancements have tremendous benefits, they have raised questions from policy makers about whether security can keep up," she said. "It is vital for the information security industry to stay engaged with our policy makers as they evaluate the impact of these new technologies."

As reported by IT PRO, attacks on VoIP networks are expected to grow this year.

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