Smart online telephoning (VOIP)

If you use your computer and Internet connection to talk to people instead of your telephone or mobile, make sure you do it safely.

Talking to people via your computer and broadband connection is called Voice over IP (VOIP)—the IP means Internet Protocol.

There are several ways you can use VOIP. Either computer to computer using a headset or you can get an extra service where you buy a VOIP phone handset and use it like your normal phone.

Like all uses of the Internet, there is a risk if you are not properly protected. There is also the possibility of a breach of your privacy if someone were able to intercept the conversation. Skilled hackers and computer criminals are capable of intercepting your conversation if the security precautions listed below are not followed.

What you need to do…

The security risks involved in using VOIP can be minimised by:

1. making sure you have the latest version of anti-virus and anti-spyware software and a firewall on your computer. Make sure this software is activated and regularly updated;
2. using a strong password for your VOIP software to keep it private;
3. setting up your service to allow connections only from people you know and block everyone else. This will prevent strangers calling you out of the blue;
4. if your service includes a public profile, don’t put any sensitive, private or confidential information in it;
5. checking regularly with the VOIP provider’s website to see if there are any updates or patches; and
6. turning off your VOIP and Internet connections when you aren’t using them.

Further information

The Australian Communications and Media Authority website has a section on VOIP which includes key issues to consider when choosing a VOIP service.