The dos and don’ts of VoIP security

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a great way for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to enjoy reliable communication solutions without breaking the bank. For starters, it doesn’t require a hefty investment in IT infrastructure; you can simply tweak your existing technology and you can make unlimited voice and video calls. VoIP services are also typically billed at a fixed monthly rate, so you can have better control over your expenses.

But while VoIP has undeniable financial benefits, it also comes with security risks that can cost you your business if you’re not careful. Make the most of VoIP without compromising cybersecurity by following these tips:

VoIP dos

✔ Change default credentials
VoIP systems come with default credentials that are searchable online; some sites even list preset VoIP password and login combinations based on the device model or vendor. This is why it’s important to change the credentials that come with the VoIP system right away and enable multifactor authentication (MFA).

MFA requires a unique layer of identification on top of traditional passwords, making it difficult for unauthorized users to get into your VoIP systems and eavesdrop on your internal communications. By contrast, keeping the default login credentials or using weak passwords that can be guessed through brute force attacks makes it a walk in the park for hackers to infiltrate your systems.

✔ Perform regular call log reviews
Periodically checking call logs allows your IT administrators to find patterns of VoIP use, and, consequently, any significant deviation from this normal usage. Some critical things to watch out for are failed logins, calls made when the systems are supposed to be offline, and abnormal call durations or destinations. Immediately investigate any outlier, as it may signal misuse or that your system has been compromised.

✔ Educate users on VoIP security best practices
With cyberattacks increasing in sophistication by the second, implementing the latest cybersecurity tools is no longer enough to keep threats at bay. You need to equip your staff with the proper skills and knowledge on how to actively protect your systems — and that includes teaching them how to use VoIP technology securely.

For instance, train your remote teams to connect to a virtual private network before making a VoIP call. This not only hides their IP address but also ensures that any data transmitted via the VoIP system is encrypted and incomprehensible to anyone who might intercept or steal information.

✔ Partner with a VoIP specialist
Having a technology partner who specializes in VoIP gives you access to market insights and trends that can help you save costs and make the right technology decisions. What’s more, they can help you plan for the long term, connect you with trusted vendors, and make sure that you’re making the most of your investment, such as using particular VoIP features to address specific needs.

Don'ts

✖ Leave your VoIP outside the firewall
Having a firewall in front of your VoIP system is critical since it prevents malicious actors from gaining access to your telephony infrastructure and initiating actions without permission. However, misconfigured firewalls can cause problems like dropped calls and calls with no sound, so consult with your VoIP specialist to ensure that your firewall is set up correctly.

✖ Have overbroad security permissions
Your employees should have access only to commands that they need to get their jobs done. If they are granted a wider set of security permissions than necessary, hackers may take advantage of employees’ user credentials and abuse high-level permissions to wreak havoc on your VoIP systems.

✖ Keep inactive accounts
Cybercriminals are always looking for ways to infiltrate your network, and inactive accounts that still have access to your VoIP system present a great opportunity for them to waltz into your territory unnoticed. To prevent this from happening, your IT team should make sure to revoke the access and delete the accounts of any employee leaving the company for good.

✖ Neglect the shared security model
Keeping VoIP systems secure should be a joint effort between your business and your VoIP provider. A VoIP system can be quite complicated to manage alone, as it is composed of many parts that require constant monitoring. For example, while your provider is usually tasked with system availability and storage, you are still responsible for identity and access management and data integrity. By doing your part in the shared security model, you ensure that your VoIP system is always optimized and secure.

If you’re thinking about implementing VoIP solutions in your business but want to know more before fully committing to it, HERO Managed Services has the perfect eBook for you. Our comprehensive guide, “21 VoIP Frequently Asked Questions,” explains everything you need to know about VoIP. Download your FREE copy now!