Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone systems allow users to communicate with others over an internet connection, but cybercriminals can intercept the data transmitted between two callers. This cyberattack is known as eavesdropping, and there are certain things you need to do to defend against it.
Change the default setup of your VoIP system
Using your VoIP phone without changing its factory settings may be the biggest blunder you can make. These days, hackers can easily check vendor manuals for default usernames and passwords. That’s why you need to set a new username and password for your VoIP phone. Your password should include a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers to avoid the risk of brute force attacks .
Keep your VoIP system updated
Hackers are always looking for vulnerabilities in software. As such, it’s important to keep your VoIP system up to date with the latest security patches. Check with your provider regularly for updates and install them as soon as possible.
Update session border controllers
When you update your session border controllers (SBCs) , you’ll be updating your VoIP’s antivirus software, which means your systems are better protected from all known types of malware. This also helps to ensure that your calls aren’t being rerouted through malicious VoIP servers, which could be used to eavesdrop on conversations.
Encrypt VoIP calls
VoIP calls are transmitted over the internet in packets. If these packets are intercepted, anyone can listen in on your conversations. To prevent this from happening, you need to encrypt your VoIP calls.
You can do this by using a virtual private network, which encrypts all the data passing through your device. You can also use Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol , a VoIP security protocol that encrypts voice calls.
Build a hardened VoIP network
Make sure your VoIP network has:
- Firewalls with access control lists
- Endpoint security with authentication
- Lightweight Directory Access Protocol lookup
- A demilitarized zone (DMZ) that contains a separate VoIP network from your company’s main network
VoIP eavesdropping is a serious threat, but the right tools make it relatively easy to protect your phone conversations. If you want to know more about how to secure your business, feel free to contact us today.