Your Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone systems are crucial to everyday operation. However, like any tech solution, they're not invincible--which means they need a little help from you when it comes to identifying and overcoming vulnerabilities. Here's what to look for and how to protect your VoIP phone systems.
Are VoIP Phone Systems Secure?
VoIP phone systems use the internet to enable calls, chats, video communication, and more. This offers plenty of advantages over the traditional "copper wire" method--but it also means VoIP phone systems have different vulnerabilities.
It's important to understand that hackers are clever. No matter what communication approach you use, these digital troublemakers will try to find a way to turn it against you--which means VoIP phone systems aren't necessarily less secure than any other solution. However, that doesn't mean you have to cross your fingers and hope you don't fall victim to cybersecurity threats.
The key is to think like a hacker. Ask yourself why someone might target a company's communications specifically and how they would do so. That way, you're ready to protect your VoIP phone systems without breaking a sweat.
Overcoming VoIP Vulnerabilities
How do you defend against VoIP vulnerabilities? Start by learning where to look:
DDoS Attack
A distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack occurs when a digital criminal keeps sending network requests. Your server becomes overwhelmed, which means it can't handle your legitimate VoIP traffic--and that creates gaps where the hacker can gain access.
Solution: Implement tools that monitor for and flag suspicious network activity.
Vishing
"Vishing" is the Voice version of phishing, which occurs primarily over email. Other than that, the attack is almost identical. Cybercriminals pretend to be someone else and ask for sensitive information over the phone.
Solution: Train employees on how to authenticate identities before doing business over the phone.
VoMIT
VoMIT, or Voice over Misconfigured Internet Telephones, allows cybercriminals to eavesdrop on and extract data from your VoIP phone systems. It's a doorway to fraud, data theft, and more.
Solution: Encrypt phone calls and other data on your VoIP phone systems.
In conclusion, VoIP phone systems have vulnerabilities like any other tech tool--but those vulnerabilities can be identified and addressed when you know where to look.
Want to learn more about VoIP phone systems and how to make them a secure, reliable part of your business? Contact us today!
