Most Common VoIP Security Issues you should know about

Though an excellent way to cut down costs for international calls and allowing the business to manage their communications effectively, VoIP comes with some security issues. When VoIP emerged in the communication industry, no one bothered about the possible risks or security concerns of the service.

But now, since VoIP has pretty much taken over the good-old landline system, the most secure communication system in the world, the VoIP security issues have become prevalent.

If you are currently contemplating the idea of getting a VoIP system for your business, or have it already, here are some of the common VoIP security threats you should know of: 

1. Audio Spam

Accounting for 10% of all spam on the internet, audio spam is one of the most common attacks that occur. Also, audio spam is similar to email spam. But instead of emails, you get spam voicemails and spam calls.

If the right measures are not put into place, audio spams could have deadly consequences as well. Avoid responding to these suspicious calls or dialling the number they provide you. There are VoIP services out there that provide you with a wide range of features to curb this problem. AxVoice lets you block any unwanted numbers and add them to the Blacklist. Also, to prevent anonymous calls from wasting your precious time, the services allow you Anonymous call rejection feature that automatically any incoming call from an anonymous number. 

AxVoice offers affordable rates across the U.S. and Canada and leads to substantial cost savings. AxVoice offers various pricing plans, so people with all kinds of budgets can benefit from this service. The VoIP service offers an expansive range of features for both residential and business needs, which is pretty impressive. The VoIP is equally good for your home or office needs.

2. Call Hijacking

Call hijacking is a more refined form of hacking. VoIP hackers use this way of hacking a great deal. So much so that it has become a troubling issue for many. Call hijacking entails the user making a call using a Wi-Fi hotspot, and the hacker attempts to hijack the call to steal valuable client and business information.

3. Call Tampering

Call tampering is not dangerous but could be the reason behind a variety of communication issues and inconveniences. Call tampering involves inserting some noise packets into the data stream. The hackers are only after one thing, and that is to ruin the quality of the call.

And as poor call quality and sound could impact your customer service and communication process, it has become a threat. Although it doesn’t necessarily profit to the attacker/hacker, but could lead to substantial loss to the business if this becomes a continuous thing.

4. Denial of Service (DoS) Attack

A DoS attack in VoIP involves flooding the service with SIP call signalling messages, which drops the call prematurely. Also, it halts any call processing. The hackers can then access the VoIP system’s administrative facilities after the call operation process halts.

5. Eavesdropping

Over the last couple of years, data breaches and data links have increased at an alarming rate. Hackers are always seeking ways to get their hands on the company’s valuable information and client data. As a business, you don’t want the sensitive information of your business or your client’s data to get into the wrong hands. It could lead to an adverse impact on your customers and business reputation.

One of their methods to do so is through eavesdropping. When a third-party gains access to your passwords, user names, contacts, and phone numbers, they can take control of the service. And they can make changes to the calling plans and even access voicemail features.

6. ID Spoofing

There was a time when you could trust the caller ID and know the real identity of the caller. But nowadays, you cannot rely on this VoIP feature as much as before. Some of the attackers can make calls by impersonating someone else and using a different caller ID. This happens on traditional calls often and is not a new problem. But you should be careful.

7. Malware and Viruses

When you use vulnerable software and softphones, VoIP security issues are bound to emerge similar to any other internet application. VoIP services are also prone to worms, malware, and viruses. As softphone applications running on PCs and PDAs, it exposes your VoIP to malicious code attacks.

8. Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

Using unsecured Wi-Fi connections are a major threat to your privacy. One of them is man-in-the-middle attacks. In this type of attack, the attacker intercepts a call and then re-route it via his servers. This happens when you use an unsecured Wi-Fi connection.

If they are successful in their attempt, they can even infect the system by spyware and malware.

9. Phishing

VoIP phishing is also called vishing. This has been a widespread issue in recent years. Normally, cybercriminals pose as banking institutes or email providers. After sending a simple email or SMS, they try to lure the recipients in clicking a particular link or phone number.

One should never click or respond to such messages and emails. If you have concerns, then you could get in touch with the company these phishers are impersonating as to confirm if the email is true.

Conclusion

Many people don’t face any issues while using a VoIP service for their business. But one should always beware of these problems as they can arise anytime. These hackers are professionals, and every day they find new ways to get into people’s networks and plant malware and viruses in the VoIP systems.

Regularly check your VoIP systems to protect your communication processes and stay updated with any VoIP security issues.