Service providers need to focus more resources on voice over IP (VoIP) security if they are to provide the level of reliability and trust that subscribers have come to expect with traditional telephone services, analysts have warned.

According to a white paper from business consulting and systems integration firm BearingPoint, broadband operators need to address security problems before rushing to VoIP as a way to increase revenue and provide new services.

The BearingPoint study warned that hackers are targeting VoIP to exploit ways to steal information or simply disrupt services.

"To sustain the projected growth in VoIP use, service providers will be expected to live up to the service standards set by legacy telephone services," said Fred Hoffmann, a managing director at BearingPoint.

"Any broadband provider pursuing the VoIP market must quickly recognise and address a growing array of security issues.

"A window of opportunity does exist for providers if they revisit deployed networks and systems, and define policies and strategies for new systems before deployment. They must believe in defence in depth."