Are VoIP call secure? Sort of, VoIP calls are sort of secure. There you go. You can go off and grab a cuppa now!

That’s the very short version and, of course, you know us, we do like to talk, so buckle up for a dig into what VoIP is, what is and isn't secure, and why it’s the best thing since Mickey Mouse.

What is VoIP?

Quick refresher time! In Yorkshire, we like to call a spade a spade, not a long-handled, flat-bladed, digging implement. Likewise, our definition of VoIP is simply that you can make calls over the internet instead of with a standard phone system.

Obviously, there’s a lot more to it than that and we could get really technical on the subject, but that’s it in a nutshell.

How does VoIP work?

Well, now you’re asking. Instead of using cables and wires, like the standard phone system, all you need for VoIP is your usual IT goodies that you’ll already have in your business. You need an internet connection and computers to make it work. You can get VoIP handsets if you want a standard phone to pick up, but VoIP will work on your computer with just a headset.

The way VoIP works is to break your voice call down into data packets. These are transmitted across the internet to the person on the other end of the call and reassembled. You can’t hear any of that when you call. It just sounds like a standard phone call, only very crisp and clear. (Click here to learn more on how it works)

Where the heck does Mickey Mouse come into it then? Well, depending on how far back you want to go, the beginnings of VoIP can be found way back in 1928 in the US when Bell Labs was formed. One of their engineers invented the vocoder in 1938, which could recreate human speech, and that’s still part of VoIP technology today. And Mickey Mouse? 1928 is the same year he made his debut on screen.

Are there any security concerns with VoIP?

Hackers are forever trying to hack computer systems and steal data, with a variety of alarming tricks, including phishing, viruses, social engineering, and ransomware, so naturally, with VoIP being internet-based, it’ll be a target.

No business can afford their communications to go down or to have any kind of a data breach so let’s look at the possibilities of security risk with VoIP.

1) Call interception

Just what it says on the tin. If you have an unencrypted voice call, hackers can intercept it, listen to it, and also watch any video transmitted. Not what you want when you’re dealing with sensitive business and client information.

2) Denial of Service (DoS)

Your phone system can be flooded with information or traffic to overwhelm it and deplete resources. This can shut down the system or at the very least interrupt it, leaving you without reliable calling and communication.

3) Phishing

Yes, phishing can happen on voice calls too. A hacker can call in and make the caller ID look correct, then trick you into handing over information, passwords, and other sensitive data.

4) Toll fraud

If someone can make outside calls from your system, they can dial expensive numbers that rack up costs, and you’d be liable for them.

There’s more, but you get the idea. Hackers would love to get their hands on your data and if they can attack VoIP, they will.

Are VoIP calls secure?

We’ve just given you a laundry list of things that can go wrong.

The question you should be asking is this: ‘Is my network secure?’ While there is no perfect system, our IT specialists can help you understand your network security and make suggestions on improving things such as encryption and data cyber security.

For us, that’s priceless. We love to provide top-quality services that give our customers peace of mind and the most efficient way of working.

VoIP offers many advantages. With VoIP calls, you get incredibly clear and crisp calls and video, on a secure system. As it’s cloud-based and needs the internet to work, we can also advise you on options like leased lines where you can ensure your internet access is robust and reliable to keep your business moving.

A VoIP telephone system is perfect for remote workers too, which considering the increase of remote working since the pandemic, is a very good thing. Instead of answering their home phone, your home workers look completely professional as they can take their work phone number with them, even if they’re on the road.

With our VoIP options, you can scale and easily add new users or remove unneeded ones, and you get a whole host of features, including call reporting, voice recording, free calls any time of the day or night, and voicemail. It’s flexible, more cost-effective than a standard phone system and it grows as your business grows with no hassle and no handling and installing cables.

With our advice and expertise we can help your network become more secure.

Ready to take the leap and get yourself a cloud-based VoIP system? Give us a call to discuss what you need. Our friendly team is more than happy to answer any questions you have and help you choose the right solution for your business.