Because of the wide array of benefits a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system offers, more businesses are ditching their traditional landline system in favor of this technology. However, like any piece of modern technology, VoIP systems are not immune from being exploited by cybercriminals. Here are the signs that might indicate that your VoIP system is being hacked.

#1 Redirection of internet searches to malicious sites

Being redirected to other — often potentially malicious — sites while performing an internet search is a telltale sign that your VoIP system is being hacked. Hackers may also install browser extensions and toolbars without your knowledge.

To keep your VoIP system safe from cybercriminals, always log out and when not in use.

#2 Irregularities in your call history

If you notice a consistent pattern of calls being made or coming from an unknown location or unfamiliar numbers, it's usually an indication that your VoIP system may be under attack. Ask for a detailed copy of your call logs from your service provider so you can identify calling patterns that will allow you to pinpoint any irregularities.

#3 Fake antivirus messages pop-ups

When you or your employees see pop-up messages that say your system is infected and needs to be scanned while your VoIP system is on, do not click on those messages. They may be a sign that a hacker has already infiltrated your system. It's best to have your system administrator or managed IT services provider (MSP) shut down the network so they can identify the source of the pop-up and scan your system for any malware.

#4 Webcams and microphones starting on their own

Webcams and microphones make VoIP phones better than traditional landlines, but cybercriminals can use these features to illegally enter your network. Hackers can use your VoIP's webcams and microphones to spy on your business, record conversations, and collect private information. If you notice your VoIP phone’s webcam and microphone behaving strangely, report it immediately to an IT specialist or your MSP to see if your VoIP system is being breached by a cybercriminal.

#5 Sudden increase in your VoIP bills

One benefit of having a VoIP system is a more affordable monthly bill compared to a landline service. So if you see a sudden spike in your monthly bill, it’s probably an indication that your VoIP system has been hacked. When cybercriminals infiltrate your VoIP network, they can make unauthorized calls to premium numbers without your knowledge.

To keep your VoIP network safe from cybercriminals, invest in good VoIP security solutions and educate your employees on cybersecurity best practices. For more ways on how you can protect your VoIP system, contact us today.

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Forget about the days when your company spent a lot of money on long-distance phone calls to clients and partners. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology now allows you to place and receive calls for free or for a minimal fee. Find out the various options for individual users and business owners alike by reading on.

There’s a VoIP service perfect for every business setup. Do you rarely leave your house and office, or are you usually on the move? If you’re a business owner, what’s the size of your company, and what factors matter most to you? Let’s take a look at some of the VoIP services available on the market to help you make a better decision regarding your means of telephony.

Residential VoIP services

For this type of VoIP, you use an adapter to connect your landline phone to a Wi-Fi modem to make and receive calls over the internet. Depending on the plan you choose, you’ll be billed each month for either unlimited services or for minutes you actually use. Examples of this include VoIP.com and Lingo.

Device-based VoIP services

This involves purchasing a VoIP device from a service provider and plugging it into your existing phone set so that you can make free calls within the United States. This means not having to pay a monthly bill, and you need no other devices besides your old landline telephone. Solutions like MagicJack and Ooma are great examples of device-based VoIP services that allow you to maximize the technology you already have.

Software-based VoIP services

This is the most common type of VoIP, and many of us already use it on a daily basis. You either access a web-based application, or install its software on your computer. Then you use your computer’s audio input and output device to talk and listen. A well-known example of this is Skype.

Mobile VoIP services

Like software-based VoIP services, mobile VoIP is also an application. However, it is installed on mobile phones instead of computers, thus enabling you to make and receive calls no matter where you are as long as you have a good internet connection. Three of the most familiar mobile VoIP services are Skype, WhatsApp, and Google Hangouts.

Business VoIP services

VoIP for business can either be on-premises or cloud-based. Both provide much more cost-effective communication solutions than traditional landlines, and they also offer a variety of useful features for businesses. These include video and audio conferencing, screen sharing, interactive voice response, automated attendants, call queues, and call reports. Not only are these features scalable, but you’ll also get complete technical support when you sign up for them.

For on-premises VoIP systems, businesses need to purchase all the equipment and house them in their property. This alone requires huge capital expenses. And on top of it, businesses also have to pay fees for system maintenance, repair, and upgrade on a regular basis. The upside is you’ll have total control over your hardware.

On the other hand, when you choose cloud-based VoIP systems, you outsource the phone system to your VoIP provider. This means there’s no need to purchase hardware or invest in maintaining the systems; your provider will take care of everything for a fixed monthly fee. You can also add or remove users easily. The downside is that you’re not in total control of the hardware, and you need to rely on your provider’s expertise to ensure system reliability and security.

Want more detailed information about VoIP to help you choose the most suitable VoIP provider? Talk to our professionals today. They have extensive knowledge about this efficient, low-cost communication technology and can explain everything to you in plain English!

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Business automation is quickly becoming a necessity for most organizations. While human input is still essential, automating processes — and powering them with artificial intelligence (AI) — has allowed for more efficient and effective operations. As telecommunications continue to play a big part in running most business operations, AI developers are also introducing advances in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) that will take automation to a whole new level.

Contact center operations
Highly automated VoIP technology enables businesses to manage their call centers easily and reduce the need for human intervention.

For example, AI-integrated VoIP systems can determine a caller’s personality, mood, and queries, so calls are routed to the agent best equipped to handle them. This makes call center operations more seamless and cost-efficient, because this reduces the need for a help desk operator to answer calls just to redirect them.

Interactive voice response (IVR) systems
An IVR system is designed to automatically respond to customer queries, which is extremely helpful for high call volumes.

AI enhances this feature by working in the background as AI assistants gathering all relevant customer data such as personal information and recent transactions to resolve a query. For more nuanced queries, the AI “worker” sends this information to the business representative, who will be much better able to serve the customer.

Conferencing capabilities
Web conferencing has improved over the years with internet speeds and telecom technology constantly developing. AI advances it even further with real-time language translation and speech recognition technology, which greatly benefits businesses with multiple geographic locations and whose stakeholders come from diverse backgrounds.

AI-enabled web conferencing can even provide intelligent prompts and relevant data to guide your conversations and ensure a fruitful meeting.

Chatbot functions
Chatbots are useful programs that receive instructions via textual or auditory means to perform automated tasks.

Like IVR systems, bots are used by businesses to automate customer interactions. AI-powered chatbots go beyond regular bot duties by performing more complex tasks like setting up meetings, inviting attendees, managing schedules, and much more.

With AI-powered systems promising improvements in contact center operations, customers’ IVR experiences, web conferencing, and scheduling, businesses are understandably eager to adopt them. There’s so much more that VoIP systems can do for your business, and we’ve got the expertise to handle all your VoIP-related concerns. Just call us today.

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