Vision Net Provides Solutions Re: "Unprotected videoconferences found vulnerable to hackers"

I recently posted a story about the the dangers of video conferencing. "Unprotected videoconferences found vulnerable to hackers" http://matr.net/article-48372.html

Rob Ferris, CEO of Vision Net was kind enough to provide guidance to eliminate this problem:

The article that you sent is interesting, albeit somewhat concerning. As you know, Vision Net http://www.vision.net provides a wide range of video conferencing products and services, including rental of sites. We work to understand each individual client’s needs regarding their security concerns, and recommend appropriate solutions. Here are some examples, from least secure to extremely secure, of steps that can be taken to protect against unwanted intrusion:

1. Set the system microphone to "Mute" whenever it auto-answers a call. This setting allows the convenience of accepting calls, yet protects against eavesdropping when a call is accepted.

2. Set the system to "Do Not Disturb" when it is not in use. This feature can be easily activated, and changed back to "Available" just as quickly.

3. Turning off the auto-answer capability ensures that the system can’t be activated without the user accepting the call.

4. Activating the AES encryption (available on most major brands of equipment) adds a layer of security protection.

5. Disabling the multi-point capability of the system will ensure that others can’t join a call in progress. The use of a video bridge for multi-point conferencing will lock out unwanted "participants". Vision Net sells video bridges for those who have an ongoing need for multi-point conferences; and we also offer video bridge rental service at reasonable rates.

6. For those who require the highest level of security, money spent on secure firewall traversal equipment is a great value. This option allows the conferencing equipment to be placed behind a firewall and delivers 256-bit encryption, ensuring that intruders are locked out. Additionally, this solution allows the user to reject attempts to connect from all but known and trusted endpoints. Vision Net sells firewall traversal solutions.

If any of your readers would like more information, I encourage them to contact Bruce Wallace, our video conferencing solutions department manager. Bruce can be reached at [email protected].

Rob Ferris, CEO

Vision Net, Inc.

[email protected]

406-467-4715 (office)

406-750-1580 (mobile)