SIP-TLS

SIPS (Session Initiation Protocol Secure) is a protocol designed to initiate, maintain, and terminate secure real-time sessions over IP networks. It is an extension of SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) that adds security features such as encryption and authentication. SIPS is commonly used in VoIP (Voice over IP) and other multimedia communication applications.

What is SIP-TLS

SIPS (Session Initiation Protocol Secure) is an extension of the SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) that incorporates security features to ensure secure communication over IP networks. SIP itself is a signaling protocol widely used for initiating, maintaining, and terminating real-time sessions that include voice, video, and messaging applications. SIPS enhances SIP by adding encryption and authentication mechanisms, making it suitable for secure communications.

The primary use case for SIPS is in VoIP (Voice over IP) services, where secure communication is paramount. By using Transport Layer Security (TLS), SIPS ensures that the signaling data is encrypted, protecting it from eavesdropping and tampering. This makes it a preferred choice for enterprises and service providers who need to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of their communications.

SIPS was developed to address the growing need for secure communication channels in an increasingly interconnected world. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the importance of secure protocols like SIPS cannot be overstated. It is widely supported by various VoIP and multimedia communication platforms, making it a versatile and essential component of modern communication infrastructure.

SIP-TLS runs on TCP and UDP port 5061 and is official IANA port.

Security risk

If port 5061 is open and the SIPS service is running, it could be a target for cyber-attacks if not properly secured. Unauthorized access could lead to eavesdropping, data tampering, and other security breaches. It is crucial to implement strong authentication and encryption measures to mitigate these risks.

In our UFW tutorial you can follow instructions how you can configure UFW to close port 5061. Use StackChanges to monitor if the SIP-TLS port is closed and stays closed. StackChanges will send an alert if port 5061 is open again.