6 common VoIP security issues that might put your business at risk

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) has been steadily replacing the traditional landlines and mobile phones for business use. VoIP for business is now becoming popular with small businesses and entrepreneurs preferring its cost-effectiveness and flexibility. But if you’re thinking about getting a VoIP phone system, you should also be aware of VoIP security issues.

Why are businesses moving to VoIP phone systems?

Before getting a VoIP phone system for your business, it’s good to know about its advantages and disadvantages. The migration from legacy phone systems to VoIP is partly due to the inherent advantages of the technology and partly because of the changing demands of an increasingly remote workforce.

Remote-friendly solution: Traditional landlines are meant for physical offices or stores. Even with call forwarding, they’re at best sub-optimal. It’s difficult for customers or clients to reach businesses when employees work from their homes. But VoIP isn’t tied to a location or a device and can be used from any device as long as there’s an internet connection.

Lower installation and maintenance costs: Landlines and mobile phones require hardware. You need to buy the phone and associated hardware such as PBX if you want additional functionalities. You also have to pay high monthly fees. But it’s easy to add a business line to your smartphone with VoIP. All you need to do is download an app.

Higher scalability: If you want additional lines to your landline or mobile phone, you’ll have to buy more devices. When you use VoIP for business, you can give access to your team members, direct calls to multiple devices and easily add more numbers.

Enhanced features: The traditional systems cannot match VoIP phone systems in features. Without paying premium pricing, you can get auto-reply, business-friendly chat, voicemail and broadcast SMS.

6 of the most common VoIP security risks

While there are demonstrable advantages, VoIP for business also carries some risks. These are six of the most common VoIP security risks that businesses should be aware of:

Phishing

Cybercriminals pose as representatives from banks or other institutions to get vital information from customers which would enable them to get into secured networks or get access to the individual’s bank account. Phishing usually happens over calls or messages and it is usually too late by the time users realise they have been under a cyber attack.

DDoS attacks

Distributed Denial of Service or DDoS happens when hackers overwhelm servers, making it impossible for you to use your VoIP system. Using multiple botnets or “zombie computers,” hackers render the system slow or congested by flooding it with requests for connection or data.

Call tampering

Another VoIP security risk is when hackers inject noise packets into a VoIP phone system’s network. This affects the quality of calls and makes it impossible to have seamless and clear conversations over the system. It would force people to disconnect the call and try again unsuccessfully.

Malware and viruses

Any application connected to the internet is at risk of malware and virus attacks. When injected into a VoIP phone system, these can take up network bandwidth and cause signal breakdowns. Other than corrupting the data, malware and viruses can also create Trojan entries for future attacks.

VOMIT

Voice over Misconfigured Internet Telephones (VOMIT) is the act of converting a phone conversation into a file to be transferred and used anywhere. This gives hackers access to private conversations and other crucial business data including usernames, passwords, call logs and financial information.

SPIT

Spam over IP Telephony or SPIT is the VoIP version of email phishing attacks. Cybercriminals send pre-recorded voice messages to VoIP phone networks. While usually they clog the system, they can also lead to malware or virus attacks.

Is VoIP secure to use for business?

The VoIP security risks shouldn't suggest that the technology is unsafe for business use. With due diligence and a safety-first protocol, businesses can secure their VoIP phone systems from these cyberattacks.

Data encryption can help prevent hackers from gaining access to crucial business information. Using strong passwords will also make both individual access points and the network safer. Businesses should also train their staff to be on guard against phishing attempts through messages or voice messages.

Chalkboard: VoIP for business

Chalkboard has now introduced VoIP calling. It's a better way to handle calls over the internet, instead of using your existing phone number. All you'll need is a good internet connection via your carrier (5G or 4G will give you the best quality of service, but it will still work just as good on 3G) or Wi-Fi and you're good to go!

The Chalkboard app also performs in its business-friendly features such as auto-reply, messaging and broadcast SMS.

Download Chalkboard and experience a safer, value-added and business-oriented second line for work.