A VoIP system can be a hugely valuable asset to your company, enabling you to improve both your customer service and your productivity; however, as with any modern technology, VoIP is not invulnerable to attacks from malicious outsiders. Here are some common vulnerabilities that you should ensure your VoIP engineers are taking steps to guard against.
Intercepted calls
The data sent across some VoIP networks is unencrypted, which leaves it open to being intercepted and enabling outsiders to listen in to your calls. Network security is essential for a secure VoIP system. The good news is that your connection is likely to already be secure; however, you should check with your IT department to be certain that all appropriate measures are in place.
Spoofing
Caller ID displays information before a call is answered, adding an extra layer of security to sensitive calls; however, it is possible for hackers to spoof caller ID, giving the impression that a call is originating from a trustworthy source when this is not the case.
Virus attacks
Viruses and malware can target your VoIP network in the same way as any other system in your workplace. Once in the system, they can log data, leak important information, or even open up doorways for future attacks. A reputable wholesale VoIP termination provider such https://www.idtexpress.com/ will be able to advise you on the best ways to protect your VoIP network from such attacks.
VoIP spam
You may well be familiar with email spam, but VoIP systems are sometimes also targeted with pre-recorded message spam. A report from Unified Communications warns that VoIP spam is likely to become increasingly prominent as a greater number of businesses adopt VoIP systems.
At its least harmful, VoIP spam is simply an inconvenience; however, it can also be used to try to trick employees into divulging sensitive information or opening up other vulnerabilities in the system. Hackers are becoming ever-more sophisticated in the methods they use to target legitimate businesses, so make sure you are well protected.
DoS Attacks
Just like websites, VoIP systems can be vulnerable to the denial of service (DoS) attacks. Attackers may attempt to overload the network with excessive amounts of data, leading to a drop in functionality and perhaps even a complete loss of service.