Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has been steadily replacing traditional phone services as the primary means of communication for businesses. With VoIP’s low cost and versatility, it’s easy to see why many companies have made the switch. However, VoIP does come with its own set of security risks and vulnerabilities that businesses need to be aware of.
In this article, we’ll look at seven of the most common VoIP security threats and how to protect your business from them.
1. Phishing
Phishing is a common technique used by cybercriminals to acquire sensitive data from unsuspecting victims. In the context of VoIP, phishers may use techniques such as spoofing, caller ID faking, or social engineering to trick users into revealing sensitive information or granting access to their accounts.
To avoid falling victim to phishing, provide employees with comprehensive training on how to identify and respond to suspicious calls or messages. Additionally, you should implement strong authentication protocols, like multifactor authentication, to ensure only authorized users can access your VoIP system.
2. Packet sniffing
Packet sniffing is the practice of intercepting and monitoring data packets as they are transmitted over a network. While usually used for legitimate purposes, such as monitoring network traffic or diagnosing problems, it can be abused by malicious actors to eavesdrop on VoIP calls, collect confidential information, or even alter transmitted packets.
One way to defend against packet sniffing is to use call encryption protocols like Transport Layer Security and Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol. These protocols will scramble the transmitted packets, making it impossible for third parties to understand or modify them. Ask your IT team or VoIP provider for more information about implementing call encryption.
3. Call tampering
Call tampering involves manipulating VoIP calls in order to gain access to sensitive information or disrupt service. For instance, attackers may inject noise packets into the communication stream to degrade call quality. They can also withhold the delivery of packets so that participants experience interruptions and long periods of silence during calls.
Besides using call encryption, it helps to deploy intrusion detection and prevention systems that can identify and block malicious network traffic. Likewise, regular audits of your VoIP system can help you identify any tampering attempts early.
Related reading: 6 Essential solutions to secure your VoIP phone systems
4. VOMIT (Voice over Misconfigured Internet Telephones)
VOMIT is a hacking technique in which hackers use specialized software to extract data and voice packets directly from calls. They then analyze the packets for any valuable information that they can exploit, such as passwords, phone numbers, and other company or personal data.
With VOMIT, the main defense is proper configuration of your VoIP system. Make sure all components — including routers, switches, and firewalls — are properly configured and monitored to prevent unauthorized access.
5. SPIT (Spam over Internet Telephony)
SPIT is essentially VoIP spam, in which attackers send large volumes of unwanted or malicious prerecorded calls to VoIP users. These calls may contain malicious content, such as malware or ads for illegitimate services.
One of the easiest ways to protect against SPIT is by setting up a whitelist, a feature that will only allow calls from trusted sources. Alternatively, you can deploy a spam filter to block calls from known sources and regularly review your call logs to detect any suspicious activity.
6. Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack
In a DDoS attack, attackers flood a VoIP service with an overwhelming amount of traffic in order to take it offline. These attacks can be especially damaging to businesses, as they not only disrupt service but also significantly slow down performance and incur financial losses.
If your VoIP service is targeted by a DDoS attack, contact your IT team or VoIP provider immediately. They will be able to help you identify and block the source of the attack and take any necessary steps to mitigate its effects.
7. Malware and viruses
Malware and viruses can infect VoIP systems just as they can any other computer system. Once installed, these malicious software can steal private data, log keystrokes, and even cause system instability.
It’s essential to protect your VoIP system with antivirus or anti-malware software to prevent these threats from infiltrating your network. Additionally, practice regular security hygiene, such as updating software and limiting user privileges, to keep your VoIP system secure at all times.
By understanding these common VoIP security threats, you can take the necessary steps to protect your system and keep your business safe from attacks.
When in doubt, consult with NetQuest's VoIP experts to ensure that you have the appropriate security measures in place.
