Ingate Systems (News - Alert) has added another layer of security for SIP-based applications. The developer of firewall technology and products that enable IP for the enterprise while maintaining control and security at the network edge has launched the Ingate Enhanced Security Module. This new optional software offering is available for all Ingate Firewall and Ingate SIParator products.

The new software offers an Intrusion (News - Alert) Detection System/Intrusion Prevention System (IDS/IPS) for SIP. As a result, it is possible to detect and protect against attacks based on the protocol.

IDS/IPS is designed to protect the network against attacks targeting SIP devices on the LAN, such as SIP phones. Working in addition to Ingate’s existing security technologies, Ingate Enhanced Security Module further strengthens security for VoIP, SIP trunking and other SIP applications.

"VoIP, SIP trunks and all real-time communications applications can be used in a very secure manner if the right security technologies are employed," said Olle Westerberg (News - Alert), chief executive officer, Ingate Systems, in a company statement.

"Ingate's Enhanced Security Software Module, used in conjunction with the award-winning SIP proxy technology built into our Ingate Firewalls and SIParators, delivers maximum protection for enterprises using SIP-based real-time communications. There is no more complete security solution on the market today."

The Ingate Enhanced Security Module incorporates the ability to encrypt all real-time communications, making it virtually impossible for eavesdroppers to retrieve the original media or signaling streams from the encrypted streams.

The solutions offers support for Transport Layer Security (TLS), which encrypts the signaling; and support for Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP), which provides a high level of security for live data with advanced encryption, confidentiality, message authentication and replay protection. When combined with the TLS, SRTP further shields users from eavesdroppers, hackers and spoofers.

Working hand-in-hand with Ingate’s full SIP proxy technology, the Enhanced Security module ensures an unprecedented level of control over the flow of SIP traffic and enterprise network. Such control provides significant advantages with regard to security.

Moving to a SIP-based environment can provide the enterprise with significant benefits, but it can also create risk for the network environment if the proper controls are not in place. IT must be fully aware of the threats and take the proper precautions to prevent failure in the security of the network.

Ingate recognizes the potential risk in the SIP-based environment and thus has provided solutions that enable organizations to take a proactive approach to network security, preventing breaches and protecting information, data and the exchange of information. As such, these companies are able to maximize the benefits of their SIP-enabled environment.

Ingate Enhanced Security Software Module is available now for all Ingate Firewalls and SIParators. Please visit Ingate Systems at VoiceCon Orlando 2008 in the ShoreTel (News - Alert) booth #717.

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Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMC and has also written for eastbiz.com. To see more of her articles, please visit Susan J. Campbell’s columnist page.

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