Have you finally abandoned landlines in favor of the more advanced VoIP technology? If so, great! There are many benefits to using VoIP compared to older communication methods.
One of the best things about VoIP is that there are no barriers preventing you from accessing its full potential, regardless of your business income. You can even start with just $2 a month for one phone line and expand your system as your enterprise grows.
That’s why sticking with Telnum.net or any other DID provider when you first start using VoIP is a smart move. It allows you to establish a good partnership with your chosen provider without having to switch to a different one as your business grows.
However, just like anything online, VoIP is vulnerable to cyber threats and attacks, which can lead to data loss and privacy breaches.
Fortunately, there are ways to protect your system from these attacks.
How can security issues affect your system?
You might think that increasing your security is unnecessary if you haven’t encountered any issues with VoIP security before. But here’s the thing: you lock your door at night even in a safe neighborhood, just in case.
The risks of security attacks are too significant to ignore. Here are the common impacts of security attacks:
- Lost money: Attacks can cause your system to make unauthorized calls, which can lead to unexpected expenses.
- Inability to use the system: Legitimate users may be barred from using the system, affecting your productivity.
- Exposure of confidential information: Attackers can access sensitive information such as employee and customer contact details, damaging the trust you’ve built with your market.
Considering the potential losses from a single attack, it’s essential to implement security measures that prevent these issues. Just like doctors say, prevention is better than cure.
How can you protect your VoIP system?
The key is to cover all the bases. Some measures can be implemented by your employees immediately, while others may require some investment. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Use a strong password
Remember, the security and integrity of your VoIP system are at stake. Avoid using obvious passwords like “password.” Instead, use a strong password that you don’t use for any other accounts. Changing your password regularly is also crucial to stay ahead of cybercriminals.
2. Encrypt the entire system
Unfortunately, not all providers offer encryption as part of their system. If that’s the case, consider investing in encryption to ensure your system’s security. Alternatively, switch to a provider that values your security and includes encryption in their package.
3. Manage and improve internal security
No matter how secure your system is, it won’t matter if your employees don’t prioritize security as well. Create a guidebook for employees to follow, outlining the standard operating procedures for using the VoIP system and the potential consequences of not following the guidelines. Regular reminders for password changes and logging in using secure devices should also be implemented.
4. Monitor the system 24/7
Consider getting a service to monitor your system continuously. Since your system is always connected to the internet, it is vulnerable to attacks even outside office hours. Majority of attacks occur when no one is logged into the system, so having 24/7 monitoring ensures that any unusual activity can be addressed promptly.
5. Invest in establishing firewalls
Firewalls are crucial in protecting your VoIP system and all the devices registered to it. They keep everything inside the firewall safe while allowing necessary traffic for VoIP communication. Investing in firewalls can provide an additional layer of security for your enterprise.
The methods you choose to protect your system will depend on your budget and risk appetite. Finding the right balance between finance and security is essential.