How Secure Is VoIP? Security Threats, Signs, & Prevention Tips

Part of ensuring a secure VoIP system for your business is choosing the right provider. Here are some things to consider when choosing a new business phone system provider for your office.

1. Encrypted VoIP

VoIP encryption is the process of encoding data into a secure format to prevent unauthorized access. Select a provider that encrypts its servers and stored data. This stored data, referred to as at-rest data, tends to be targeted by attackers more than transit data.

If you need data encryption, look for SRTP and TLS encryption for in-transit data. This is important for organizations that handle sensitive information like healthcare, financial services, or government agencies.

1. Transport Layer Security (TLS):SIP (session initiation protocol) is the language that the phone speaks to talk to the server. TLS is that language encrypted. TLS encrypts data during transmission, and only the sender and receiver have the necessary keys to decrypt the information.

2. Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol (SRTP):Similar to TLS, SRTP is the protocol that encrypts the voice and audio packets that are being sent back and forth in a VoIP call.

2. Can They Help With Regulatory Compliance?

If your industry requires regulatory compliance, make sure the provider you choose supports compliance. Having the right accreditations or providing compliance tools is part of this process.

• HIPAA : If your US-based organization is a covered entity under HIPAA, ensure that your VoIP provider offerings comply with HIPAA regulations. HIPAA-compliant phone service can include call recording, voicemail, and voicemail transcription features to safeguard your valuable information.

• PIPEDA: In Canada, any organization that obtains, uses, or discloses personal information for commercial purposes needs to comply with PIPEDA. Because with VoIP, voice is data, look for a provider that keeps your data in Canada on Canadian servers, amongst other things.

• PCI Compliance: (Payment Card Industry) is necessary for any organization that accepts, transmits, or stores credit card information. If you take credit card information over the phone, choose a VoIP provider that meets PCI compliance requirements.

3. What Additional Measures Do They Take To Mitigate Risks?

Ask your provider what measures they take to minimize the risks associated with the VoIP threats we previously covered, including toll fraud, voicemail fraud, and DDoS attacks. For example one of the many measures net2phone takes to minimize risks, is we don't allow usernames to be email addresses. This makes it harder for anyone to break into your account and steal your information. Choose a provider that includes additional layers of protection like this.

4. What Is Their Uptime Record?

VoIP uptime is the amount of time that a provider's service is operational and available to users. Uptime percentages will indicate to you the reliability of a provider's system. Look for providers with an average uptime of 99.99%.

5. Where Are Their Servers Located?

When you choose a provider, make sure their data centers are located within the country in which you reside. It is important to ensure that the traffic stays within your borders for data sovereignty reasons. This way, your data is not subject to external laws and regulations.

With innovative technology and robust security measures, VoIP systems are more secure than the average landline. Taking steps to mitigate risks, such as enforcing strong passwords, can minimize your organization's risk. And by choosing a provider that maintains strong security protocols, you can enjoy VoIP's many benefits with peace of mind.

Ensure your business communications are protected from evolving cyber threats-partner with us to implement robust security solutions that keep your conversations private, your data safe, and your operations running smoothly. Reach out today to learn how we can help you stay secure and connected.