Learn the Facts - Are there unique security concerns in a converged network?

Companies face a variety of security concerns in a converged voice and data network. Each application on that network represents an entry point for hackers. Traditional data security policies and procedures must be expanded to include voice, and engineered so that they do not impact IP voice quality. And, there's a growing list of security and privacy regulations that organizations must comply with.

Although security attacks in a converged network aren't new, they can occur through the "gaps" that occur at the convergence of two, formerly separate, networks. Denial of Service, eavesdropping, identity spoofing, and toll fraud are some of the most significant concerns in a VoIP environment.

Converged networks require converged security that expands traditional data security policies and procedures to protect the privacy of all network information, including IP telephony traffic. Traditional data security practices can impact IP telephony voice quality if not engineered correctly. So, a converged network must be designed to comply with IT security policies while not impeding the performance of critical network applications.

Converged security from Avaya starts with a security assessment to identify network "gaps" that can be exploited by an attacker. With security policy development, we define the procedures, responsibilities, controls and security measures required to protect assets in a converged environment. Our security architecture and design service brings Avaya expertise to the complex task of designing a secure information infrastructure and ensures that the security measures defined in a policy are designed into the security framework.

The combination of converged security policies and security assessments creates a foundation that enables enterprises to plan, implement, and manage the comprehensive architecture and controls needed for protection in a converged network. This ensures secure and continuous communications, while improving Quality of Service (QoS), and the ability to maintain and monitor multi-vendor, converged networks and applications. Creating policies and performing assessments also provides the framework to allow business to comply with security and privacy regulations, such as Sarbanes-Oxley, Gramm-Leach-Bliley, HIPAA, and Basel II.