What is VoIP Security?

Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic, more businesses have conducted sensitive transactions online rather than in person. This means that there is substantially more data for cyber criminals to take a swing at. Enhancing VoIP security, in particular, is an important strategy for any modern business.

What is VoIP?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and refers to technology that allows a person to make voice calls using an Internet connection rather than a standard wired phone line.

When speaking through a VoIP device, your voice is converted into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. This technology allows employees to voice call other people via their computer using technology such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams, rather than needing to pull out their phone.

The primary benefits of VoIP are that the technology is highly scalable, remote-work friendly, and extremely low maintenance. Unfortunately, though, there are some security risks including but not limited to:

• Distributed Denial of Service Attack (DDoS)
• Phishing
• Call tampering
• Malware attacks

VoIP security measures work to reduce the risk of company VoIP technology being impacted.

How to Enhance VoIP Security

As mentioned, VoIP security strives to reduce the risk of cybercriminals impacting the calls placed within your organization. Fortunately, there are a few best practices to utilize which can help protect your VoIP system:

1. Ensure your router has a firewall: Given that VoIP occurs through the Internet, you will want to be sure your network is strong and un-hackable.
2. Require two-factor authentication: Make your employees input both a password and a hard or soft token (that constantly changes) whenever they wish to log onto their VoIP device or periodically.
3. Segment user permissions: Ensure that only certain individuals have access to a certain amount of data in case their security is breached.
4. Monitor call logs: Take the time to monitor your call logs to spot any unusual activity that could indicate malware or hackers.
5. Educate your employees: Your employees are the first line of defense to your VoIP network, which means you should teach them best practices, such as identifying phishing scams or other cyberattacks.

Discover Your Organizational Cybersecurity Strength Today

For as long as there is data, there will always be cybercriminals trying to steal it. The Internet is a powerful tool that has allowed businesses to operate in new and more efficient ways, but it comes with certain downsides from a security perspective. To ensure your VoIP system is secure and to feel confident that business can occur normally, focus on bolstering your security. If your business is in the Columbus, Cleveland, or Akron area and needs assistance setting up a data protection strategy for IT services, don’t hesitate to contact us at Warwick as soon as possible.