Verizon and VoIP security are in the news today.

First this press release -

Verizon Business Enhances Service to Help Secure Customers' IP Telephony Systems
Tuesday June 20, 7:00 am ET

VoIP Security Assessment Service Addresses Potential Threats Linked to IP-Based Phone Systems BASKING RIDGE, N.J., June 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Business and government customers will now be able to more effectively identify and manage security risks associated with voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) by using Verizon Business' newly enhanced VoIP Security Assessment Service.

The professional service offering -- supported by a Verizon Business team of nearly 300 expert security professionals -- addresses the growing concern over VoIP security at a time when more and more companies are deploying Internet-protocol telephony to anticipate future communications requirements, improve employee productivity and enable employee-mobility programs.

"Security is the No. 1 concern customers express about VoIP," said Nancy Gofus, vice president of product management, Verizon Business. "Addressing this issue helps ensure that customers will be able to depend on their next- generation VoIP networks for the high-quality performance and high-levelavailability they expect, and help increase efficiency and productivity."

Also this writeup from Red Herring -

Verizon Targets VoIP Risks

The phone company acknowledges VoIP’s penetration into the business market.
June 20, 2006

In what amounts to a surprising concession on the inroads Internet voice has made into the business market, Verizon Business introduced a service Tuesday that manages VoIP risks on the business network.

Verizon’s newly minted VoIP Security Assessment Service addresses a market created by the growing popularity of VoIP among smaller businesses and departments of large businesses.

But that development has brought some unique potential risks associated with running voice packets through the corporate network. Verizon, along with a number of startups, sees the need as a lucrative business opportunity.

According to IDC the demand for premises- and network-based VoIP services is expected to experience significant growth over the next five years, with revenue increasing from $2.9 billion to $6.9 billion. Verizon is bringing another set of service into play. This could actually be a value add as professional services to business. It's a big leap from their VoiceWing offering, which really isn't doing all that well in the eyes of the market.

"The VoIP security assessment service launched by Verizon Business offers a comprehensive approach to identify, assess and mitigate potential threats to VoIP systems," said William Stofega, research manager for VoIP services, IDC. "Despite the growing interest in VoIP, security remains a primary customer concern. This type of security assessment service, with its focus on
equipment, policies and network architecture, can be highly beneficial in helping to safeguard next-generation VoIP networks."


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