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.

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Smartphones Have Built in Encryption

It is hard to imagine a world without smartphones. Today, around 3.8 billion people, or half of the population of the world, are estimated to own at least one. It is a primary tool used for communication. And unbeknown to many, without the concept of encryption, the very foundation of secure voice communications would not exist and users will be vulnerable to hackers. 

Encryption is a vital concept for communication engineers and professionals. It is the process in which a device protects its data against unauthorized users and cyber attacks. Data is encrypted through a special algorithm that transforms it into an unreadable one. A decryption key needs to be used to decode and read this data. 

In the case of the mobile phones today, PIN codes, Touch ID fingerprints, and Face ID recognition features serve as another layer of security. This enables the users to access their respective gadgets, read their messages, and browse through their files. When users lock their phones with any of these keys, their personal data will be encrypted by default and difficult to hack. 

Encryption in iOS Devices

Experts in voice encryption know how Apple takes the science of cryptography seriously to protect their users’ data (Case in point: The FBI themselves failed to access an iPhone 5C). 

For iPhones with iOS 8 and newer versions, users can generate a passcode and a touch ID (it is only a pass code in older iOS versions). These menus can be accessed in the Settings. For newer iPhone models (i.e., X, XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 11 Pro Max, 12 Mini, 12, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max), Apple amped up their security by deploying a facial recognition system. 

Data that is backed up through Apple’s software is also encrypted.

Encryption in Android Devices

Over the past years, Android has also stepped up their encryption game. Now, most of their latest smartphone units are equipped with default encryption. As in iPhones, Android-powered devices also utilize PIN codes, and face and fingerprint recognition as decryption keys. When connected to Wifi, the Android devices use secure voice calls over IP with multiple layers of encryption. 

However, Android phones in the lower part of the pricing echelon are typically not encrypted as tightly as iPhones. This makes users of these leaner devices more vulnerable to intruders. Changing this landscape, Android is now running efficient encryption protocols to be able to make low-end devices more secure. Similar to iCloud, your data is encrypted when you backup through the cloud software of Google. 

Beyond Phone Encryption

Having secure voice communications may require smartphone encryption engineers to program an encryption layers for added protection. Apart from the built-in encryption of smartphones, many messaging apps that users download and use also feature the so-called encrypted messaging by default (such as WhatsApp and iMessage). This type of encryption prevents hackers from reading whatever is sent and received by devices. 

Some apps do not offer end-to-end encryption by default, such as Skype and Facebook Messenger. However, they provide a secret messaging option that allows users to encrypt their messages. 

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