Having top-notch security measures for your VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) system is important for protecting sensitive business communications. Many of the modern VoIP providers already make sure their systems have good security in place, but there are still things you can check yourself for that belt-and-braces approach:
Encryption
It’s worth checking your calls are encrypted to help stop eavesdropping and interception. Use robust encryption protocols like Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) for securing VoIP calls.
Access Control
Make sure you know exactly who has access to your VoIP system at any one time and keep your passwords as strong as possible too. Using a multi-factor authentication (MFA), and role-based access control (RBAC) is also a good idea to help limit access to VoIP devices and services.
Firewalls
Have firewalls set up specifically configured for VoIP traffic to control and monitor outgoing and incoming calls. These firewalls should be able to detect and block any suspicious VoIP traffic, including denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
Regular Updates and Patching
Keep VoIP hardware, software and firmware updated with the latest security patches and updates. Vulnerabilities in VoIP systems can be exploited by attackers to get unauthorised access to your system or disrupt your services.
Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)
Deploy IDPS solutions to monitor VoIP traffic for signs of suspicious activity or potential security breaches. IDPS can detect and block malicious traffic, including attempts to exploit vulnerabilities or launch DoS attacks.
VoIP Security Awareness Training
If you employ staff, offer them regular training and awareness courses around VoIP security best practices. This should help them be clearer about the risks associated with VoIP technology and how to recognise and respond to security threats effectively. It’s well worth having your team on board with it.
Quality of Service (QoS) Management
Prioritise VoIP traffic on your network to give the best performance and reliability. QoS management helps prevent packet loss, jitter and latency, which can reduce the quality of calls and make your VoIP system more vulnerable to attacks.
Regular Security Audits and Assessments
Carry out regular assessments and security audits of your VoIP system so you can more easily spot any weaknesses before they become a problem. It’s also worth performing penetration testing and vulnerability scanning to proactively identify and fix any security issues before they can be exploited by attackers.
Vendor Security Assurance
When looking for a VoIP provider for your business, check that the one you sign up with adheres to strict best practices and security standards. Do your homework, and only ever choose VoIP providers based on their certifications, security offerings and compliance with industry regulations such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).
