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5 Vital VoIP measures to implementVoice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology is a flexible, scalable, and highly efficient communication solution that more and more modern businesses are relying on. However, a large user base makes VoIP an attractive cybercrime target, which means VoIP users face increasing risks. Here are five effective security measures you can implement to protect your business’s […]

The post 5 Vital VoIP measures to implement appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

02 Nov, 2021 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2021november2voip_b, encryption, internet phones, password protection, passwords, virtual private networks, voice-over-internet protocol, VoIP, voip firewalls, voip phones, voip security, vpn category
5 Vital VoIP measures to implement

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology is a flexible, scalable, and highly efficient communication solution that more and more modern businesses are relying on. However, a large user base makes VoIP an attractive cybercrime target, which means VoIP users face increasing risks. Here are five effective security measures you can implement to protect your business’s VoIP systems and devices from various threats.

24/7 monitoring

VoIP security breaches usually take place outside operating hours. Attackers make phone calls using private accounts or access call records with confidential information on the sly. To avoid these security breaches, contract outsourced IT vendors to monitor network traffic for any abnormalities.

Virtual private networks

Virtual private networks (VPNs) create a secure connection between two points, as if they belong in the same closed network. It’s like building a safe secret tunnel between you and the person you’re calling. Using a VPN can also help overcome complications involving Session Initiation Protocol or SIP trunking, which is a recommended VoIP feature.

VoIP firewalls

Firewalls specifically designed for IP-based telephony curb the types of traffic that are allowed into your network. They ensure that every connection is properly terminated at the end of a session and identify suspicious calling patterns. Virtually every VoIP vendor provides these protocols, but you should always consult with your IT services provider as to how these protocols will be managed within your organization.

Encryption tools

VoIP systems that lack encryption can be easily broken into by hackers — even by amateur ones who can simply download and deploy tools to eavesdrop or intercept your calls. Some services claim to have built-in encryption, but companies still need to be vigilant and investigate how effective these are.

Using encryption ensures that even if hackers successfully download audio or video, they still won't be able to decode the file unless they have the decryption key.

Password protection

Using passwords to authenticate your access to private information is not as secure as it once was. Hackers can easily guess a password and use it for cyberattacks. Protecting the passwords themselves adds a layer of protection against threats. This can entail enabling multifactor authentication or using a password manager to generate and store an array of complex passwords.

VoIP is as important as any of your other network security considerations. It requires a unique combination of protection measures, and we’d love to give you advice on these. Give us a call today to get started.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Steps to implementing a proactive cybersecurity strategyDespite the large number of cybersecurity incidents being reported every day, many businesses still fail to put adequate cybersecurity measures in place to keep their data and operations secure. If you’re looking to beef up your company’s cyber defenses, consider a proactive cybersecurity strategy. Learn what proactive cybersecurity is and how it can help protect […]

The post Steps to implementing a proactive cybersecurity strategy appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

20 Oct, 2021 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2021october20security_b, ai-powered network monitoring, anti-malware software, antivirus, cloud-based anti-malware, cybersecurity, data segmentation, full-disk encryption, hardware firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, policy of least privilege, Security, security awareness training, security patches, software upgrades, strict access controls, virtual private networks, web filtering services category
Steps to implementing a proactive cybersecurity strategy

Despite the large number of cybersecurity incidents being reported every day, many businesses still fail to put adequate cybersecurity measures in place to keep their data and operations secure. If you’re looking to beef up your company’s cyber defenses, consider a proactive cybersecurity strategy. Learn what proactive cybersecurity is and how it can help protect your organization.

What is proactive cybersecurity?

Traditional cybersecurity is reactive — your IT team or managed IT services provider (MSP) will be alerted of a cyberattack after it has happened, leaving them to alleviate the impacts. In contrast, proactive cybersecurity is preventative — it takes into account all potential threats and seeks to identify vulnerabilities so that they can be addressed before they lead to larger, downtime-causing issues.

Many organizations have adopted proactive cybersecurity measures along with reactive ones and are now reaping the benefits, including the ability to stay one step ahead of cyberthreats and improved data compliance.

How to implement proactive cybersecurity

In adopting a proactive approach to cybersecurity in your organization, you must follow these steps:

  1. Understand the threats you’re facing
    Before you can work toward preventing cyberattacks, you must know exactly what you’re up against. Seek the help of your in-house IT staff or MSP in identifying the types of attacks that are most common in your industry.
  2. Reevaluate what it is you’re protecting
    Once you have a list of the biggest threats to your organization, you need to take stock of how each can damage the various components of your network. Map out every company device that connects to the internet, what type of data they have access to (regulated, mission-critical, low-importance, etc.), and what services are currently protecting those devices.
  3. Choose proactive cybersecurity measures to put in place
    Depending on the risks and assets uncovered in steps 1 and 2, your IT team or MSP may recommend any of the following measures:
Proactive measure What it entails
Security awareness seminars for all internal stakeholders Train everyone from the receptionist to the CEO about effective security practices such as password management, proper mobile device usage, and spam awareness.
Updated anti-malware software or cloud-based service Protect your data and systems against the latest and most menacing malware.
Routine software patches and upgrades Minimize the chances of leaving a backdoor to your network open.
Web filtering services Blacklist dangerous and inappropriate sites for anyone on your network.
Perimeter defenses (e.g., intrusion prevention systems and hardware firewalls) Scrutinize everything trying to sneak its way in through the borders of your network.
Policy of least privilege Limit users’ access only to the data they need to fulfill their tasks.
Data segmentation Rank data according to sensitivity and build micro-perimeters around high-value datasets.
Full-disk encryption Make data stored in computers and portable devices unreadable so that if these machines are stolen, the files they have inside remain secure.
Virtual private networks Make data transmitted across unsecured connections unreadable so that intercepting it would become futile.
Strict access controls Prevent unauthorized access to accounts by using strong passwords, multifactor authentication, and auto screen locks and logouts for idle users. 
AI-powered network monitoring Identify suspicious user and software behaviors such as employees accessing files outside their departments.

If you’re looking to implement a proactive cybersecurity strategy to protect your business’s critical systems, give our professionals a call today. We’ll assess your needs and recommend the best, most effective solutions to address them.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post Steps to implementing a proactive cybersecurity strategy appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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How to be proactive with your cyber defensesIt is good to have an IT team and/or a third-party partner like a managed services provider (MSP) that helps keep your company protected against cyberthreats. It is even better to have all stakeholders be involved in preventing data breaches. Here’s how everyone can be proactive when it comes to cybersecurity. Understand the threats you’re […]

The post How to be proactive with your cyber defenses appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

23 Oct, 2020 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2020october23security_b, ai-powered network monitoring, anti-malware software, antivirus, cloud-based anti-malware, cybersecurity, data segmentation, full-disk encryption, hardware firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, policy of least privilege, Security, security awareness training, security patches, software upgrades, strict access controls, virtual private networks, web filtering services category
How to be proactive with your cyber defenses

It is good to have an IT team and/or a third-party partner like a managed services provider (MSP) that helps keep your company protected against cyberthreats. It is even better to have all stakeholders be involved in preventing data breaches. Here’s how everyone can be proactive when it comes to cybersecurity.

Understand the threats you’re facing

Before any small- or medium-sized business (SMB) can work toward preventing cyberattacks, everyone involved needs to know exactly what they’re up against. Whether you’re working with in-house IT staff or an MSP, you should review what types of attacks are most common in your industry. Ideally, your team would spearhead this review a few times a year.

Reevaluate what it is you’re protecting

Once you have a list of the biggest threats to your organization, you need to take stock of how each one threatens the various cogs of your network. Map out every company device that connects to the internet, what type of data they have access to (regulated, mission-critical, low-importance, etc.), and what services are currently protecting those devices.

Create a baseline of protection

By reviewing current trends in the cybersecurity field and auditing your current technology framework, you can begin to get a clearer picture of how you want to prioritize your preventative measures versus your reactive measures.

Before you can start improving your cybersecurity approach, you need to know where your baseline is. Devise a handful of real-life scenarios and simulate them on your network. Network penetration testing from trustworthy IT professionals will help pinpoint weak spots in your current framework.

Finalize a plan

All these pieces will complete the puzzle of what your new strategy needs to be. With an experienced technology consultant on board for the entire process, you can easily synthesize the results of your simulation into a multipronged approach to proactive security.

Proactive measure What it entails
Security awareness seminars for all internal stakeholders Train everyone from the receptionist to the CEO about effective security practices such as password management, proper mobile device usage, and spam awareness.
Updated anti-malware software or cloud-based service Protect your data and systems against the latest and most menacing malware.
Routine software patches and upgrades Minimize the chances of leaving a backdoor to your network open.
Web filtering services Blacklist dangerous and inappropriate sites for anyone on your network.
Perimeter defenses (e.g., intrusion prevention systems and hardware firewalls) Scrutinize everything trying to sneak its way in through the borders of your network.
Policy of least privilege Limit users’ access only to the data they need to fulfill their tasks.
Data segmentation Rank data according to sensitivity and build micro-perimeters around high-value datasets.
Full-disk encryption Make data stored in computers and portable devices unreadable so that if these machines are stolen, the files they have inside remain secure.
Virtual private networks Make data transmitted across unsecured connections unreadable so that intercepting it would become futile.
Strict access controls Prevent unauthorized access to accounts by using strong passwords, multifactor authentication, and auto screen locks and logouts for idle users. 
AI-powered network monitoring Identify suspicious user and software behaviors such as employees accessing files outside their departments.

As soon as you focus on preventing downtime events instead of reacting to them, the productivity and efficiency of your IT infrastructure will increase to levels you’ve never dreamed of. Start your journey to enhanced cybersecurity by giving us a call for a demonstration.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post How to be proactive with your cyber defenses appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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How to tighten your VoIP systems’ securityFew companies today would survive without effective, cost-efficient collaboration tools like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solutions. But like any piece of technology, VoIP systems are fast becoming an easy target for attackers. Here’s how to protect your company’s internet-based communication devices from numerous threats. What many companies don’t realize is that valuable information moves […]

The post How to tighten your VoIP systems’ security appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

16 Oct, 2020 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2020october16voip_b, encryption, internet phones, internet telephony safety, password protection, passwords, virtual private networks, VoIP, voip firewalls, voip security, vpn category
How to tighten your VoIP systems’ security

Few companies today would survive without effective, cost-efficient collaboration tools like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solutions. But like any piece of technology, VoIP systems are fast becoming an easy target for attackers. Here’s how to protect your company’s internet-based communication devices from numerous threats.

What many companies don’t realize is that valuable information moves across VoIP networks just like sensitive data is shared via email. In some cases, internet-based calls are more vulnerable to fraud, identity theft, eavesdropping, intentional disruption of service, and even financial loss. With numerous VoIP-based attacks, it’s crucial to implement these security measures now.

24/7 monitoring

VoIP security breaches usually take place outside operating hours. Attackers make phone calls using private accounts or access call records with confidential information on the sly. Contract outsourced IT vendors to monitor network traffic for any abnormalities to avoid these security breaches.

Virtual private networks

Virtual private networks (VPNs) create a secure connection between two points, as if they belong in the same closed network. It’s like building a safe secret tunnel between you and the person you’re calling. Using a VPN can also help overcome complications involving Session Initiation Protocol trunking, a recommended VoIP feature.

VoIP firewalls

Firewalls specifically designed for IP-based telephony curb the types of traffic that are allowed into your network. They ensure that every connection is properly terminated at the end of a session and identify suspicious calling patterns. Virtually every VoIP vendor provides these protocols, but you should always consult with your IT services provider as to how these protocols will be managed within your organization.

Encryption tools

Due to lack of encryption, VoIP systems can be easily broken into by even inexperienced hackers who can download and deploy tools to eavesdrop or intercept your calls. Some services claim to have built-in encryption, but companies still need to be vigilant and investigate how effective these are.

Using encryption ensures that even if hackers successfully download audio or video, they still can’t decode the file unless they have the decryption key.

Password protection

Using passwords to authenticate your access to private information is not as secure as it once was. Hackers can easily guess a password and use it for cyberattacks. This is why protecting the passwords themselves adds a great layer of protection against threats.

Employees should never divulge any compromising information during a VoIP call, as eavesdropping is one of the easiest and most common cyberattacks against VoIP networks.

VoIP is as important as any of your other network security considerations. It requires a unique combination of protection measures, and we’d love to give you advice on these. Give us a call today to get started.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post How to tighten your VoIP systems’ security appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Read More