Why You Need VoIP Cybersecurity

In today’s digitally connected world, cyberthreats are a unique and ever-present danger—especially to businesses. While data breaches are nothing new to corporations, their growing number can’t be ignored. Now is the time to find strong and reliable security solutions. As you implement these measures, however, don’t forget about your VoIP phone systems. These machines are just as vulnerable to cyberattacks as your computer.

The Importance of VoIP Cybersecurity

VoIP, short for voice over internet protocol, is a popular type of business phone that uses the internet to make calls. Due to its connection to the internet, this hardware provides a variety of benefits like better sound quality, lower costs, and greater functionality compared to traditional phone lines. As a result, VoIP is quickly becoming the go-to phone solution for business.

This type of phone does have at least one drawback, however. Because of its reliance on the internet, this device is susceptible to cyberattacks just like your computer. If there are any vulnerabilities hiding in your hardware or your firewall, a hacker could find a way to exploit it.

When a VoIP phone is compromised, the hacker can:

Make Unauthorized Calls: If a cybercriminal breaks into your phone, they can use it without your consent. This is a major problem, as they could set up robocalling and auto dialing software on your phone to call strangers and ask them for sensitive information.
Commit Toll Fraud: Toll fraud is when the cybercriminal makes international calls with your device. Toll charges can quickly build up and cost your company a lot of money.
Spoof Caller ID: A hacker can use your caller ID to pretend they’re with your company, making it easier for them to scam others.

An even bigger problem is your phone could get hacked and you wouldn’t even know. So how do you protect your phone from hackers? The answer is VoIP cybersecurity.

VoIP Cybersecurity Measures

This might all sound alarming, but it’s important to know that your VoIP phone isn’t completely unprotected. VoIP systems are actually more secure than traditional phone systems. However, these devices are not impervious to VoIP attacks.

One way to secure your phone is to implement session initiation protocol (SIP). This is a signaling protocol that compresses voice traffic into media streams, which are then sent over a safe and reliable internet connection. SIP is a significantly more advanced and secure solution than anything available on traditional phone lines.

By working together with a service provider like CCT Telecomm, you can set up SIP for your own VoIP phone. A provider can also strengthen your VoIP cybersecurity by:

Deploying a VPN: If you’re using remote access, you should also use a virtual private network (VPN). VPNs encrypt your devices, including smartphones.
Monitoring Call Logs: When you make or receive calls, a record is created in your call history. These logs tell you the date and time of each call, how many calls you’re making to what numbers, and the location of those calls. This can show you if your phone has been hacked.
Controlling Administrator Access: Be careful about who you give admin access to when it comes to your VoIP infrastructure. These people have the ability to manage billing, join conference calls, and set up new lines. A hacker would love to have this level of access.
Encrypting Your Calls: Encryption is the process of converting data into unreadable code. If your call is intercepted by a hacker, they have to decipher the code to gain access to any information, which is extremely difficult without the encryption key.

What Are the Main Threats to VoIP Cybersecurity?

Here are some of the most commonly used VoIP cybersecurity attacks:

Malware: Malware is software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a system. These types of infections tend to happen when you open a corrupted email on any device that is linked to your VoIP phone.
Denial of Service: Also known as DoS, this is an attack where a targeted device is flooded with traffic to the point the device is overwhelmed and crashes. This can be done simply by spamming your phone with calls.
Phishing: Phishing is a social engineering technique meant to manipulate a user into revealing sensitive information. For example, you may receive a call from a seemingly legitimate number asking you to verify your identity using your credentials.
Call Tampering: Just as it sounds, call tampering is when a hacker tries to tamper with your live calls. This could be through ending a call, ruining sound quality, or causing delays.
VoMIT: Short for voice over misconfigured internet telephones, VoMIT tools allow cybercriminals to steal voice snippets that contain confidential information directly from your business calls.

What Are the Benefits of VoIP Cybersecurity?

The benefits of VoIP cybersecurity are the same as the benefits of cybersecurity for the rest of your IT infrastructure. This is because VoIP cybersecurity plays off of the security you already have for your office. From ransomware to phishing scams, cyberthreats are as diverse as they are numerous. With VoIP cybersecurity, you’re less likely to succumb to a cyberattack that brings your business to a halt.

Improve Your VoIP Cybersecurity With CCT Telecomm

If you need VoIP cybersecurity, then reach out to CCT Telecomm. We’re a leading managed IT and telecommunications provider that can give you the level of protection you’re looking for. As a part of our managed services package, we can manage your security solutions and conduct network assessments on your VoIP phone as well as your high-speed internet connection.