Virtual PBX Featured Article

Making VoIP More Secure

February 27, 2015

By Mae Kowalke - Virtual PBX Contributor

We know to pay attention to security when we log into our bank Web sites. We typically worry less about the security of talking to colleagues and customers via our phones.

Yet we should not be so lax. While IP calling offers many advantages, one downside of VoIP is that it can be intercepted more easily than its copper wire counterpart. Like any digital technology, the flexibility of VoIP also makes it more exposed to hacking.


Further, it is relatively easy for cyber criminals to use compromised VoIP accounts for long periods of time without being detected. This can cost a business money.

There are steps that callers can take to boost VoIP security, however. Here are three.

  • Restrict password permissions. Many business VoIP solutions come with more than single sign-on security options. Make sure these two-factor authentication options are turned on for your VoIP system, so it is harder for cyber thieves to access enterprise VoIP systems even if they snag a user’s password.
  • Choose providers that take security seriously. Many business-grade VoIP solutions have fraud-detection monitoring and can determine if there is unusual use. Make sure that you always use a VoIP solution that pays attention to security and has safeguards in place.
  • Exercise common sense. Like physical security, a little common sense can go a long way toward preventing VoIP security breaches. Be aware of your surroundings, don’t store passwords in easy to access places, and notice who is looking over your shoulder when entering your password on your laptop in a coffeehouse.

There is no such thing as perfect security. But being aware that VoIP can be less secure that traditional phone lines can help, as can taking precautionary measures to keep business VoIP systems safe.

Especially important is making sure a trusted VoIP provider is used that takes security seriously and has the right infrastructure in place to keep calls safe.




Edited by Maurice Nagle

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