Spitting is a Dirty Habit

Spit = Spam over Internet protocol.

Who knew?

I’ve heard everything from Spam to Phishing to Vishing to Chicken Scratch.  Next up in the hacker field could be VoIP technology, or so Mr. William Jackson says from Government Computer News.

I recently came across this article from a Twitter follower; “Careful with that call: It’s only a matter of time until IP telephony is hit by spam and malware.” It was an interesting look at the possible vulnerabilities in VoIP technology, but also an excellent look at the cautionary steps already in place to protect VoIP users from spam, spit and other annoyances.

VoIPshield Systems, founded in 2005, works on researching these technicalities and developing patches and solutions before they reach the marketplace.  IBM Internet Security Systems (IBM ISS) also does similar work, and doesn’t want to alarm the public, but like with any invention or business model, they just want to be prepared for the ‘what if.’

No method of technology or telecoms is perfect, whether it be PSTN, mobile, VoIP, the iPod, HDTV, hybrid cars, etc.  Technology continues to grow and change and improve over the years.  Look at how many years the automobile has been around.  Frankly, there are still MANY ways to improve there.  Only in the past five years or so has the general public grown to accept broadband Internet into their homes.  And how many people complain that the iPhone is just too slow for Internet browsing?  Sure enough, a new model will be coming out in the next year.

It’s nice to know that the big guys are looking out for VoIP users and not accepting the status quo of the technology.   It displays not a fear for the potential problem, but a concern for the customer, and an investment in their future.

Are you worried about spit? What will this do for the telecom industry?  Think about it. Spam in your email isn’t that scary.  You just have to hit the delete button.