An adaptive policy-based approach to SPIT management

Abstract

Voice over IP (VoIP) is a key enabling technology, which provides new ways of communication. VoIP technologies take advantage of existing data networks to provide inexpensive voice communications world-wide as a promising alternative to the traditional telephone service. At the same time, VoIP provides the means for transmitting bulk unsolicited calls, namely SPam over Internet Telephony (SPIT). SPIT is, up to a given extend, similar to email spam. However, it is expected to be more frustrating because of the real-time processing requirements of voice calls. In this paper we set the foundations of an adaptive approach that handles SPIT through a policy-based management approach (aSPM). aSPM incorporates a set of rules for SPIT attacks detections, together with appropriate actions and controls that should be enforced so as to counter these attacks. Furthermore, the policy is formally described through an XML schema, which refers to both, the attack detection rules, and the corresponding defense actions. © 2008 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.