4 reasons you need VoIP security
December 27th, 2018 by admin
Businesses adopt VoIP technology because it offers many advantages over traditional phone systems. With VoIP, you get an integrated system that gives you access to email, voicemail, and contact lists. You can also use VoIP for video conferences and communicating with people all over the world. For all of its benefits, VoIP does create some security concerns. As long as you pay attention to your VoIP security, you should find that you can enjoy the technology's benefits without putting your network at risk.Man-in-the-middle attacks can affect VoIP security
Man-in-the-middle attacks typically prey on people using public WiFi. A hacker can create a relay between your device and the public WiFi. This lets the hacker see all of the information traveling from your device to the WiFi router. You can improve the security of mobile devices that use VoIP by using a VPN service that encrypts the data. Even if someone eavesdrops on your device, they won't know how to interpret the data.Use a firewall to keep hackers at bay
Malware has become an increasingly serious problem for businesses and governments. In March 2018, ransomware attacked Atlanta's 311 system, leading to disruptions in everything from trash collection to reporting potholes. Ransomware also cost businesses over $2.4 million in 2016. Since your VoIP system relies on an internet connection, hackers can target it with malware. Adding hardware and software-based firewalls makes it much more difficult for criminals to attack VoIP and other tools connected to the internet. Firewalls monitor your system's incoming and outgoing data. If data doesn't match safety protocols, the firewall will block it. Without a robust firewall, even the amateur hackers could break into your system to steal information or hijack access to important apps.Many VoIP systems have vulnerabilities criminals can exploit
Many VoIP systems have a vulnerability called media gateway control protocol. Criminals that know how to manipulate media gateway control protocol can record conversations and reroute calls. Updating your software often will patch known vulnerabilities. Hackers, though, are always looking for new ways to infiltrate networks. Eventually, they will find a new way to attack their targets. A network assessment can identify vulnerabilities before criminals have opportunities to use them. Having your network assessed can also boost efficiency and improve your system's functionality.Employees can jeopardize your VoIP security
VoIP can help your business save time and money, so you want employees to use it. Unfortunately, employees can jeopardize your VoIP and network security. Many employees don't know how to recognize the warning signs of phishing attacks. Perhaps even more troubling, they may not understand the importance of choosing strong passwords that prevent criminals from accessing their accounts. Establishing VoIP security policies can help protect your business. Train your employees how to choose strong passwords or set passwords for them. Your VoIP security policy should also instruct employees to delete voicemails immediately after listening to them. Your employees also need to know how to identify and report anomalies. For instance, if a phone call gets rerouted to an unfamiliar number, employers should know how to report the instance to an IT professional who can investigate the occurrence. VoIP makes business communications more efficient, affordable, and integrated. The perks that you get from VoIP, however, come with some risks. Make sure you have security policies in place to protect your organization from attacks.Posted in: Blog