VoIP networks are vulnerable to various attacks. Don't leave your future to chance. Create a plan to protect against top VoIP security vulnerabilities.
VoIP networks can be vulnerable to various attacks. Everything depends heavily on the VoIP network infrastructure created. Emerging threats should not be seen only as the result of technology. Because there are human flaws in VoIP security vulnerabilities.
It is important to be knowledgeable about these vulnerabilities to ensure VoIP network security. Instead of waiting for potential problems to arise, you should create a security plan. You should take precautions against threats such as DDoS attacks.
1. Firewall issues
Firewalls protect your server and system from attacks. Modern firewalls are well-compatible with VoIP connections. You need much more than a standard firewall when it comes to VoIP. For this, the session border controller is the best choice.
If you are using an old firewall, you should replace it as soon as possible. Because of configurations, firewalls do not recognize legacy VoIP activities. Sessions are terminated because the data packets required for communication cannot be transferred.
2. Voice phishing
Voice phishing is a concept that emerged with VoIP technology. It is also called vhishing for short. In its simplest form, it refers to VoIP-centric phishing. Attackers carry out their phishing via voicemail messages they send over VoIP.
The best way to protect yourself from VoIP phishing attacks is to resort to verifications. Attackers can spoof calls. They can phish a call by pretending to come from within the company.
3. System updates
System updates are one of those problems that are pretty easily overlooked. If you don't keep your VoIP system up to date, you make it vulnerable to attacks. You cannot avoid this even if your firewall is optimally configured.
Companies may be reluctant to perform system updates. This is because VoIP systems seem complicated to maintain. However, any delayed and bypassed update can cause serious security vulnerabilities.
4. Malware attacks
Malware and viruses can threaten your VoIP network. Attackers use malware to gain access to your system. Malware that infects your network has the potential to offer backdoor access to an attacker. However, what they can do is not limited to these.
The attacker gains access to sensitive information through backdoor access on your network. It can also consume your network's bandwidth and disable the VoIP service, causing unexpected financial losses.
5. Call tampering
Call tampering is a process that requires large amounts of data. Attackers try to delay data transmission by exploiting large amounts of data. After experiencing disruptions in VoIP services, everything comes to a standstill.
Call tampering causes disconnections. Sometimes, the connection is not interrupted, but there are extended periods of silence. The problem can reach severe levels if all communication within the company is provided over VoIP.
6. SPIT problems
Even if SPIT is not considered a severe problem, it threatens VoIP. SPIT stands for spam over IP telephony. You can liken it to e-mail spam methods. SPIT methods progress according to specific schemes.
Pre-recorded voice messages can be used in SPIT schemes. In addition, calls are made automatically, allowing people to answer calls. In this way, people are deceived, generating income from international call charges.
7. VoIP fraud
VoIP fraud means unauthorized service access. An attacker infiltrates your network without your knowledge. It then makes calls using your VoIP service. The most crucial point of fraud is that it collects income without your knowledge.
International calling services are generally used in the VoIP fraud method. You should apply an extra layer of control within your international calling plans. Setting up a spending limit can be a good measure.
8. VOMIT problems
VOMIT is a severe security threat to VoIP systems. Attackers try to eavesdrop on communications using this method. They can also easily extract voice packets from VoIP calls. So they can access all sensitive information from the primary source.
Sensitive information obtained may include the source of the call, usernames, passwords, financial data, and confidential company information. It is necessary to use services that encrypt VoIP calls to eliminate VOMIT problems.
9. DDoS attacks
A DDoS attack means an attacker deliberately floods a server with data. The entire bandwidth of the network is used during the throttle operation. Everything stalls, including VoIP communication, as bandwidth is exhausted.
The equipment used while performing a DDoS attack is getting more advanced daily. This makes it easier to perform service-pausing attacks. Downtime of VoIP service means thousands of dollars lost.
10. Other popular VoIP vulnerabilities
One of the most common problems when considering VoIP vulnerabilities is low bandwidth. The higher the number of subscribers, the more resources are needed. However, bandwidth is not the only problem in terms of VoIP threats.
Mishandling of errors: VoIP services require incorrect registration to be handled correctly. Since invalid phone number records are kept separate, the attacker can only take steps to threaten valid phone numbers.
String and array problems: Protocols used in VoIP services may contain unwanted structures and contents. Defects in packets could allow an attacker to take control of communications.
Authentication issues: Users and devices must be authenticated on every VoIP connection. Security issues can arise when attackers spoof the data presented in authentication processes.
Network structure problems: Correct network structure is needed for VoIP services to work. If the network structure is created incorrectly, attacks by malware can cause the network to be disabled.
File handling flaws: Unsafe programming steps can be taken during VoIP configurations that can cause security issues. Each of these steps causes various problems and security vulnerabilities.
Lack of data validation: Lack of data validation is a big problem in VoIP calls. If it exists, taking action against man-in-the-middle attacks that eavesdrop on communication can be challenging.
Password management issues: A VoIP service user needs a password. The user's password is located on the client and server. If passwords are contained in a readable form, an attacker can get hold of them.
Execution problems: In VoIP services, background functions are usually performed with standard database solutions. Most execution problems are caused by applications that are not safe for the database.
Privilege management: All aspects of the resources required for VoIP services must be protected. Privileges that will be defined too much for the services to work can cause security problems.
Insufficient resources issues: In the case of embedded devices, the resources allocated to VoIP applications may be insufficient. Sudden shutdown of VoIP services becomes easy when there are insufficient resources.
It's all about being proactive when it comes to VoIP vulnerabilities. Instead of waiting for potential problems, you should take action against possible threats. VoIP experts are experienced with configurations and security measures.