Plenty of businesses, regardless of size, use internet phones. But although Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems are quickly becoming the norm, many business owners don't realize that these systems are vulnerable to attack if they are not properly secured. In this article, we will list some of the security measures that your VoIP system shouldn’t go without.
Strengthen your passwords
Passwords are your VoIP system’s first line of defense against unauthorized use. They are used to authenticate your access to private information, but they are unfortunately not as secure as they used to be. Nowadays, hackers have tools that allow them to easily guess a password and use it to launch an attack. It’s therefore critical to protect your VoIP passwords to add a layer of protection against various threats. This can be done by enabling multifactor authentication or using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords for your VoIP accounts.
Ensure that your VoIP provider uses encryption
VoIP systems without encryption can be easily hacked by cybercriminals. It doesn’t require great technical skill; all that hackers need to do is download and deploy tools to listen in on your calls. Many VoIP service providers will assure you that they have built-in encryption, but businesses must be vigilant and look into how secure a service provider’s services really are.
If your phone systems are protected with encryption, even hackers who successfully download audio or video call files won't be able to decode the files unless they have the decryption key.
Disable the phone’s web interface
A phone's web interface is an online portal that allows users to access their device's settings, features, and accounts through a web browser. By accessing this interface, users have the ability to change parameters such as passwords, caller IDs, and other important settings. And by disabling this interface, you can protect yourself from malicious attacks by preventing users from accessing their accounts through a web browser.
Have IT experts monitor your systems 24/7
Many VoIP security breaches occur during the night or on weekends when businesses are closed. Attackers make phone calls using private accounts or hack into call records to steal more private data. These could go on for a long time without you even noticing. To prevent these types of privacy breaches, have an outsourced IT vendor monitor network traffic for any irregularities.
Use virtual private networks (VPNs)
VPNs establish a secure connection between two devices as if they are both connected to the same closed network. It's like creating a secure, private path that only you and the person you're calling can access. A VPN can also help VoIP users handle issues with Session Initiation Protocol or SIP trunking, which is a recommended VoIP feature.
VoIP firewalls
Firewalls specifically designed for IP-based telephony restrict the types of traffic that are allowed into your network. They serve a crucial function: identify suspicious and/or abnormal calling patterns and ensure that every connection is properly terminated at the end of a session. Practically all VoIP vendors provide these protocols, but to be safe, always consult with your IT services provider as to how they will manage these protocols within your organization.
VoIP security should be given the same level of importance as your other cybersecurity concerns. Our knowledgeable IT experts would love to help you get started with developing the perfect combination of security measures for your VoIP systems. Just give us a call today!
