Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which combines networking and telephony, is a development in the digital sphere with its own set of security risks. However, all VoIP systems will be more secure than public switched telephone networks thanks to established protocols and standards.
Previously utilized analogue or digital telephony necessitates data transfer via a physical medium. Traditional telecommunication security attacks, such as eavesdropping, require a physical presence and access to the real lines in order to be successful.
As we all know, security is a hotly disputed topic, and the importance of encrypting VoIP cannot be overstated. Because of the rapid growth of VoIP, it’s vital to understand some of the most common hazards. Each device and service provides a portion of a secure VoIP solution, but there are a few other options for safely installing a VoIP system.
VoIP Cyber Security Risks and How to Protect Against Them
VoIP is a terrific technology for rapid, cost-effective, and user-friendly telephony. VoIP security has gained a lot of attention, which might render it vulnerable to cyber-attacks like any other internet protocol, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Because it is on the internet, it can be hacked if it is not safeguarded. VoIP communications can be overheard or tapped, and it is sometimes exploited to get access to servers. This is especially dangerous if you’re taking or making credit card payments over the phone or discussing personal information.
It’s a call made digitally rather than via traditional phone lines. Internally, VoIP is equally as dependable as traditional phone lines if the IT infrastructure is solid. Fortunately, VoIP may be protected using some basic cyber security procedures and best practices.
When calls are made outside of the internal system, they are vulnerable.
The Session Initiation Protocol is used to initiate and end VoIP phone calls (SIP). It acts as a link between the phone and the internet. SIP is essential for VoIP communication. It is insecure and vulnerable.
The call data is then transmitted across the internet using one of several different protocols, and the SIP eventually terminates the portal.
VoIP Security – Threat Vector
Because computer networking is an open network system, any IP address can connect to any other IP address. IP Protocol and IP Addresses are critical in both public and private networks used for voice and data communications. As a result, computer networking attackers now have significantly more access and capability to conduct destructive operations against VoIP systems.
Hairpin telecom traffic was a popular target. Rerouting occurred when inbound calls to a voice network were directed to a different destination. Since voice networking has been integrated with computer networks, you no longer need to be physically present to gain access to a voice system.
Hackers’ primary goal is to scour the range of IPv4 and IPv6 IP Addresses for VoIP Services to target with various sorts of cyber-attacks. After identifying a VoIP Service, many forms of assaults can be undertaken. It is best to educate yourself on the tools and methods used to locate VoIP services so that you can identify them and refuse to acknowledge the VoIP service to the hacker. If the hacker is unfamiliar with the VoIP service, they will most likely disregard it and move on.
Methods for Cyber Security Using VoIP
DDOS assaults may be disastrous to any organization, therefore taking safeguards to secure VoIP is vital. The following methods could be used to ensure VoIP cyber security.
Strong Passwords: A strong password is the foundation of cyber security. As a result, you must ensure that the passwords on routers, servers, IP switches, and firewalls are strong.
Encryption
One of the most effective methods for assuring that data transferred over the internet cannot be decoded, even if intercepted, is encryption. This is especially handy if your end-users, partners, or clients are holding vital discussions that could jeopardize their reputation if the details are revealed. Ascertain that the VoIP and SMB services are encrypted. As a result, encrypting the data at multiple points makes it difficult for hackers to gain access.
VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) is a great way to protect data as it travels across the internet. It functions similarly to an internal network in that it establishes a secure network through which data can be transmitted. Using VoIP over a VPN protects the SIP and makes them almost untraceable.
Perform Network Penetration Testing
Perform network penetration testing on a regular basis. It is a cyber security methodology in which a system is purposefully hacked by an IT professional in order to determine how vulnerable it is. Once the flaws have been identified, they can be fixed, thereby strengthening your entire IT infrastructure.
Network Address Translation (NAT): NAT is a router feature that provides a private IP address to phones, laptops, and other internet devices. The private IP address is only visible within your LAN. A network cannot be remotely compromised if a hacker is unable to identify an IP address. A public IP address on a VoIP phone makes it exposed to cyber-attacks.
The integration of networking and telephony, known as Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is taking place in the digital world, with its own set of security risks. However, protocols and standards are in place to make all VoIP systems more secure than public-switched telephone networks.
