Take these steps to strengthen your business’s VoIP security

Take these steps to strengthen your business’s VoIP security

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has transformed business communication, thanks to its affordability, versatility, and state-of-the-art capabilities. And its popularity will only continue to rise. In fact, global VoIP services are projected to reach a value of $102.5 billion by 2026, increasing from $85.2 billion in 2021 at a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%, according to Research and Markets. This growth is attributed to the shift toward cloud-based services, which has benefited the VoIP industry despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

As this technology becomes increasingly prevalent, the need to prioritize VoIP security has never been more critical.

Why you need tougher VoIP security

VoIP is a revolutionary technology that enables businesses to make phone calls using internet connectivity instead of traditional phone lines. By converting voice signals into digital data packets, VoIP offers numerous advantages, which are indispensable for many industries.

For example, in the legal industry, a variety of VoIP solutions can enable seamless communication between attorneys, clients, and staff, facilitating the quick and secure exchange of vital information. Features such as call recording and voicemail transcription aid in ensuring accurate documentation and compliance. In the healthcare industry, VoIP enables reliable and secure communication among healthcare professionals, improving coordination and patient care. It allows for telemedicine consultations, remote monitoring, and efficient appointment scheduling.

Related reading: Why does your law firm need VoIP?

How to boost your VoIP security

VoIP systems are not immune to risks such as unauthorized access, eavesdropping, toll fraud, call spoofing, and denial-of-service attacks. By addressing these security risks, you can mitigate potential vulnerabilities. Here are some steps your company can take to strengthen your VoIP system’s security:

  1. Choose a reputable VoIP service provider: Select a trusted and reliable VoIP solutions provider who has a proven track record in safeguarding internet phone systems for businesses in your industry.
  2. Implement strong user authentication: Require strong, unique passwords for all VoIP accounts and devices. Enforce regular password updates and educate employees about the importance of using complex passwords.
  3. Enable encryption: Use encryption protocols such as Secure Real-time Transport Protocol or Transport Layer Security to encrypt voice traffic and protect it from interception or eavesdropping.
  4. Keep software and firmware up to date: Regularly update and patch your VoIP software, hardware, and devices to address any vulnerabilities that may be exploited by potential attackers.
  5. Employ network segmentation: Segregate your VoIP network from other data networks to limit the potential impact of a security breach. Use firewalls and virtual local area networks to isolate and protect VoIP traffic.
  6. Deploy a Session Border Controller (SBC): An SBC acts as a secure gateway, filtering malicious traffic and preventing unauthorized access.
  7. Educate employees about social engineering: Conduct training sessions for employees in recognizing social engineering tactics, such as phishing emails or phone calls, which can be used to gain unauthorized access to VoIP systems.
  8. Enable multifactor authentication (MFA): MFA enhances the security of VoIP accounts by requiring extra verification methods, such as a unique code sent to a mobile device, to access the accounts.
  9. Monitor call patterns and usage: Regularly review call logs and usage patterns to identify any unusual activity or signs of toll fraud. Toll fraud is a type of fraud where someone hacks your phone system to make fake calls from your phone account, usually to international phone numbers. Implement real-time monitoring and alerts for suspicious call patterns.
  10. Conduct regular security audits: Security audits and vulnerability assessments will help you spot potential weaknesses in your VoIP infrastructure and take proactive steps to address them.

By following these recommendations and adopting a proactive approach to VoIP security, your business can significantly enhance the security of its communication infrastructure and minimize the risk of potential breaches.

Protecting your VoIP infrastructure is crucial for safeguarding your sensitive information and confidential conversations from falling into the wrong hands. Ask our team at Healthy IT to set up secure, cost-effective VoIP solutions for your New York business. Call us today.