Why VoIP Security is So Important

Cost-effective, scalable, and easy to use, Voice Over IP or VOIP has modernized the way people communicate with each other. With this technology, analog audio signals are converted into digital ones and transmitted via the internet. However, like any other virtual data, these are vulnerable to cyber attacks. This is why VOIP security should not be taken lightly. 

Security threats, like technology, get more sophisticated over time. Attackers find new ways to get into a network and steal or use data maliciously. This does not only compromise critical business and customer information, it can also significantly affect your reputation and is often costly to resolve. According to an IBM report, the US tallied an $8.1 million worth of data breach in 2019 alone. 

Hence, businesses across several industries, big or small, should be concerned about protecting data they transfer online, including secure voice calls over IP. Here are some of the most common threats that jeopardize the security of a VOIP network. 

Denial of Service. A common VOIP security threat, DoS refers to an occurrence when attackers bombard a network with too many calls (usually coming from an automatic phone dialer), clogging phone lines, decreasing call quality, and prompting businesses to slow down or temporarily halt their operations. 

Eavesdropping. Cybercriminals can tap into unencrypted calls, "eavesdrop," and intercept sensitive data ranging from passwords to names and banking details of customers. 

Malware. As stated, VOIP calls are hosted over a data network. And one of the most common ways in which attackers can infiltrate a network is by spreading malware including viruses, Trojans, and bots. 

Spam and phishing. There are cyberattackers who use restricted or private caller IDs to scam customers. Through phone scam schemes, they can prey on users and deceive them to disclose sensitive data. 

How Can Businesses Make Their VOIP Network More Secure

With threats that range from simple to sophisticated, businesses have that responsibility to strengthen their VOIP security. Here’s how: 

Tap an accredited VOIP provider. First off, you must outsource your VOIP capabilities to a trusted provider. A communication systems provider in PA must be accredited, responsive, and have a roster of professionals who are trained and capable of addressing different security incidents. 

Make sure data is encrypted as it passes through gateways for RoIP and VoIP systems. To secure voice calls over IP, you must employ red black switching technology such as Transport Layer Security, Secure Real-time Transport Protocol, to encrypt your data — meaning, network outsiders won't be able to read the data you're transmitting. 

Install a firewall program. Setting up a firewall adds another layer of security between your server and the outside network. As much as possible, use advanced ones because these are capable of detecting and blocking malicious data packets. 

Use secure passwords. To prevent unauthorized personnel from getting access to your network, use strong passwords and store them securely (advise your employees not to copy-paste passwords in text files, or write them down in their sticky notes). On the hardware side of the fence, find a reliable source for voice switch for T1, fiber optic networks.

Monitor and address any unusual activity. One benefit of VOIP over traditional telephony is easier monitoring of call logs. Take advantage of it and always be wary of any unusual behavior or activity. Report any ghost calls or suspicious voicemails to your provider so that they can address them immediately.

Voice and Video Conferencing Technology in the IP World of VoIP

Video conferencing is becoming an increasingly important part of how today’s companies do business. Throughout various sectors, companies are opting to conduct long-distance meetings and conversations via videoconferencing rather than the traditional conference call. The benefits of this approach include improved communication and stronger relationships. When video is not optimal for whatever reason, a high-quality voice conferencing system is best for facilitating the effective communication you may need.

For this reason, it is important to source voice and video conferencing technology that is cost-effective, reliable and meets your company’s specific needs. High-quality imaging is a must to reap the benefits of video conferencing, especially when you need to display video or image content. Priorities for this technology often include high audio and video quality as well as transmission speed.

Circuit Switching and Packet Switching

Standard phone systems use circuit switching to transmit data. This means the system selects a specific path to transmit all the data from the conference. This route is only used for that data so long as the session continues. Because you pay for the exclusive use of the bandwidth, this method tends to be more costly. Some types of videoconferencing use circuit switching.

The most common protocol for video and audio conferencing is packet switching, which uses IP-based networks. This protocol converts the information to a sequence of packets, then sends them. Each packet travels through the network separately. Because these routes are also used by others, this method does not cost as much.

On the other hand, this protocol on its own can result in a lower transmission quality, as the data packets do not have a dedicated circuit open for them and compete with other data traveling along the same route. VoIP uses packet switching; a high-quality communication systems provider will typically use additional protocols to increase reliability and transmission quality. There are also several methods to keep network conditions from affecting quality.

Types of Systems

Conferencing technology systems can come in a variety of configurations. These include systems that individuals can use on desktop computer or full featured smartphone. Set-ups for large audiences in a single room often rely of broadcast quality bandwidth dedicated to that production. A configuration optimal for conferencing in a large number of people in disparate locations may use an IP voice switch for the audio and a larger bandwidth on the same IP network for the video packets. Some video conferencing systems may have a voice switch baked into the system, allowing one person to speak and appear at a time. Others create the atmosphere of a meeting by showing everyone simultaneously.

Radio Over IP

Some companies, such as those operating mobile fleets, need to integrate their radio network to work over IP. VoIP to radio switching can be a cost-effective and reliable way to connect radio users and operators via dispatching hardware. Because the IP protocol can route the audio to a wide variety of radio types, it can make system-wide integration easier.