Did you know that more than 60% of communication system breakdowns in Arab companies are…
VoIP Security Risks Guide – pt 2
Threats and risks of network communication systems (VoIP systems) You Need to Be Cautious About –Part 2
In the previous blog, we explored the most common security threats that can affect VoIP systems.
In this blog, we shift the focus to prevention—highlighting the key steps and protective measures that help keep VoIP systems secure and reliable.
Secondly: Prevention Measures – System Protection Procedures
Continuous and ongoing system updates
VoIP-based network communication systems are always vulnerable to security threats. Attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in your outdated systems for malicious purposes. Therefore, it is essential to update the system regularly. Frequent updates ensure that newly discovered vulnerabilities are continuously patched, helping to protect the system from new threats and closing any existing vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.
Additionally, failure to update the system may cause overall network slowdown and compatibility issues. Therefore, regularly updating the system improves performance and reliability, ensuring a secure and smooth connection for your company.
If you are using a third-party company to manage your call system, we recommend choosing a trusted partner such as Xontel or Telsip, as they provide regular updates to ensure that the system remains up-to-date with the latest technology and security updates.
Strong and regularly updated passwords
An analysis conducted in 2024 on more than two million leaked online accounts revealed that the password ‘123456’ was the most vulnerable to hacking. Passwords are often the first and most common gateway to your accounts. Using weak or common passwords is a real and serious threat to your communications system. These passwords often contain simple patterns (such as 1234abcd) or personal information (such as names or birthdays).
Here are some tips to consider when creating strong passwords:
- Avoid including easily guessable information (such as mobile numbers or birth dates) in passwords.
- Do not re-use the same password across different accounts.
- Change passwords regularly.
- Use password managers such as Bitwarden, Dashlane, or 1Password to enhance security.
- Instead of creating passwords manually, use password generators such as LastPass or NordPass, which help you generate strong passwords.
Isolating VoIP traffic from regular internet data
Refers to separating the network into isolated, independent networks using virtual local area networks (VLANs). This helps to separate the VoIP system from other parts of your network (such as data servers or employee computers).
By isolating the calling system on a separate network, barriers are created between data traffic. As a result, if one part is compromised, it becomes difficult for attackers to access other parts of the network, including the VoIP infrastructure. This protects the VoIP phone system from potential security threats.
Enabling Multi-Factor or two-factor authentication (MFA or 2FA)
Even complex passwords alone cannot fully protect communication system accounts from cyber attacks. Therefore, it is recommended to complement passwords with MFA whenever possible.
This security practice relies on more than one method of identity verification. For example, after entering a password, the system sends a verification code via email or SMS. This adds an extra layer of protection to accounts, making it more difficult for attackers to gain access. Today, many telecommunications service providers integrate MFA into VoIP systems to enhance security.
Enabling call encryption
In this process, calls are encrypted into data that can only be read by authorized users using encryption keys. This is done by securing SIP messages with the TLS protocol and enabling HTTPS for the system’s web pages, making it impossible for anyone to intercept or read the data. Without encryption, attackers can easily eavesdrop on all calls.
Today, many telecommunications service providers offer end-to-end encryption and advanced security protocols. All of these security features are effective in protecting call data and maintaining privacy, as well as ensuring compliance with industry standards and international regulations, which helps build trust with customers and safeguard their privacy.
Setting up firewalls
Setting up firewalls, also known as firewalls, is extremely important for communications security. Firewalls act as a barrier between your network and potential threats, monitoring incoming and outgoing call traffic and blocking suspicious or harmful activity.
However, if firewalls are outdated or lack proper management, they can become vulnerable to attacks. Therefore, they must be configured with strict security rules, regularly updated, audited, and continuously monitored to detect threats and respond quickly. For firewalls to be effective, only essential network traffic should be allowed, and everything else should be blocked. This can be achieved by using whitelisting to allow trusted sources and blacklisting to prevent known threats from accessing the network. Additionally, access to the control panel or registration extensions can be restricted to certain countries only, which reduces the risk of international attacks, minimises the risk of unauthorised access, and protects your company’s communications.
Developing emergency plans and preventive measures
One of the most important aspects of securing a communications network is preparing scenarios for system recovery in the event of a breach or malfunction. This includes establishing a system for regularly backing up data and settings to ensure quick and complete recovery in the event of a problem or system failure, thereby minimising system downtime as much as possible.
Training employees on best practices and principles of communication system security
A recent study indicates that 68% of data breaches occur due to human error. Therefore, in addition to these measures, it is necessary to raise employee awareness of best practices for system security and protection and enforce adherence to these security protocols by training employees on how to deal with various potential threats and how to avoid them effectively.
In conclusion, by implementing the above points, enabling multi-layered protection, and encrypting communication network data, you can significantly reduce security risks. Therefore, using advanced security features alongside continuous user training and regular system updates ensures comprehensive protection for your communication system.
Telsip — an all-in-one cloud communications platform that combines a cloud PBX, a cloud contact center, unified OMNI channels, and a WebRTC-powered softphone, with seamless CRM integration and professional support; it delivers intelligent call management, unified conversations, and real-time reports that enhance your team’s efficiency and your customers’ experience.
For more information about Telsip products and services, leave your data and one of our specialists will contact you..
