IMS networks face security challenges

Networking Technology Update This newsletter is sponsored by SolarWinds The Shortcut Guide to Network Management for the Mid-Market This guide outlines real-world technologies and processes to implement centralized management of your network infrastructure. Using the OSI FCAPS model as a framework, this eBook explains the critical components of fault, performance, configuration and security management, as well as network troubleshooting and diagnostics. Networking Technology Update, 05/16/07 IMS networks face security challenges By Jim Duffy There may be no hotter topic in telecom right now than IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), an evolving standard that promises to offer a common way for multiple wireless and wireline networks to deliver multimedia applications. Get more out of your IT dollar Business Services Management lets you get more out of your IT investments by aligning business goals and your core infrastructure. Network World Editor-in-Chief John Dix and IDC Research Manager Stephen Elliot examine BSM's benefits and how enterprises are starting to take advantage of this strategy. Attend now! Fixed and mobile network operators are expected to invest $10.1 billion in IMS capital infrastructure between 2006 and 2011, and generate $49.6 billion in service revenue from IMS-enabled applications within that time, according to ABI Research. But there may be no more discouraging a topic than securing an IMS network. Recent events and published reports indicate that IMS security specifications are lacking, and that the architecture may open up more vulnerabilities than benefits. “There definitely were security gaps in the standard right out of the gate,” says Tom Valovic, a telecom analyst at IDC. “Many vendors are somewhat vague concerning the types of security issues associated with wireless.” Gaps in fixed-line applications are being addressed with standards efforts such as TISPAN and products such as session border controllers, Valovic says. Yet wireless remains a challenge, he says. “I’ve seen less definition on the wireless side,” Valovic says. That’s one of the reasons Verizon Wireless decided to develop Advances to IMS (A-IMS), a framework for mobile networks that attempts to fill in perceived gaps in IMS. And Sipera Systems, a maker of products for VoIP, mobile and multimedia security, recently authored an article in a monthly industry periodical describing a litany of vulnerabilities unique to and inherited by IMS. For more on this story, please click here.

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Contact the author: Network World Managing Editor Jim Duffy can be reached at jduffy@nww.com This newsletter is sponsored by SolarWinds The Shortcut Guide to Network Management for the Mid-Market This guide outlines real-world technologies and processes to implement centralized management of your network infrastructure. Using the OSI FCAPS model as a framework, this eBook explains the critical components of fault, performance, configuration and security management, as well as network troubleshooting and diagnostics. BONUS FEATURE IT PRODUCT RESEARCH AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Get detailed information on thousands of products, conduct side-by-side comparisons and read product test and review results with Network World’s IT Buyer’s Guides. Find the best solution faster than ever with over 100 distinct categories across the security, storage, management, wireless, infrastructure and convergence markets. Click here for details. PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE You've got the technology snapshot of your choice delivered to your inbox each day. Extend your knowledge with a print subscription to the Network World newsweekly, Apply here today. International subscribers, click here. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES To subscribe or unsubscribe to any Network World newsletter, change your e-mail address or contact us, click here. This message was sent to: security.world@gmail.com. Please use this address when modifying your subscription. Advertising information: Write to Associate Publisher Online Susan Cardoza Network World, Inc., 118 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772 Copyright Network World, Inc., 2007