Several users of traditional landline phones are ready to ditch their old and cranky sets for the latest feature-rich and low rental VoIP communication systems. VoIP is not only being used by the office owners but there is also a rise in the number of domestic users. However, you should know that VoIP is an internet based system and it is susceptible to a number of threats that your traditional phone lines never experienced. In this article, we are going to learn about the threats to VoIP systems and way to secure your VoIP system.
Security Threats in VoIP
As VoIP is an internet-based system, so it is prone to threats similar to your email and web connections. There are a few security experts who believe that the attackers are fine-tuning some of the threats exclusively for VoIP communication system. Even before you sign up for the VoIP services, it is imperative that you are aware of the potential threats:
- Spam – VoIP is vulnerable to a deluge of spam marketing, which is also known as “Spam over Internet Telephony,” or SPIT.
- Voice Phishing – This is also popularly called Vishing wherein the attacker uses their VoIP system to contact the victims and makes attempts to secure your vital personal data like bank account passwords, credit card details etc.
- Interruptions – The VoIP system is vulnerable to virus and worm attacks that can bring about complete disruption in service.
- Hacking – The hackers can get unauthorized access to your VoIP system and can make calls from your number. In case you are using your PC for the VoIP then the hackers can even get access to vital information stored on your PC.
- Loss of Privacy – Majority of the VoIP systems bypass data encryption which leads to easy eavesdropping.
- Over-reliant on power and internet – The VoIP system is heavily reliant on the internet and power, so your communication system is down whenever any of the two experiences problems.
Preventions
VoIP is all about availing some of the coolest communication features in the market, so you will have to ensure that the deployment is extremely secure. Just use the following preventions for securing your VoIP communications:
Using Secure equipments – You need to choose the VoIP equipments that use the wireless security standards like WPA, WPA2, and IEEE 802.11i. You need to avoid unsecure and older technology compliant equipments like the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security.
VoIP firewall – You will need to employ a firewall exclusively designed to handle VoIP traffic so that the unusual calls can be monitored and even filtered.
Opt for Two Connections – It is imperative that you keep two internet connections – one for accessing the web and the other exclusively for your VoIP system.
Avail authentication and encryption – You will have to check your VoIP system for encryption and authentication features – ensure that you turn on all the features. This will stop unauthorized access to your system as well as ensure complete privacy.
Using firewalls
A firewall acts as a barrier between your network and the security threats like the virus mongers and the hackers. The firewall helps in filtering the data trickling in and out of the system. Firewalls can also be installed on the server if there is a central server in your office that controls the entire network.
Enforcing authentication
Legal and real users would be asked to furnish their credentials whenever they try to gain access to your service or network. Choose a VoIP service provider that uses authentication technologies.
Using encryption
The data packets that travel on the network are protected through encryption so that even if there is a pilferage, nothing can really be done with it. The encrypted data can be easily decrypted when their reach their destination thus giving it complete protection during the transmission.
Author Bio:
Michelle Patterson has been learning and writing for Phone America Blog. She loves sharing information with the world so that small businesses and business owners could take advantage of these technologies.