Unified communications (UC) systems are now a fundamental part of enterprise technology, enabling organizations to align communications tools, improve collaboration, and support a changing range of employee needs.
However, in recent years we have seen an increase in security threats and attacks. From DDoS (distributed denial of service) attacks targeting VoIP services and mobile applications to a rise in numerous hacking strategies from phishing to malware, the access routes to unified communications make them an attractive target for criminals. The results can be catastrophic.
Failure to invest in appropriate security standards can lead to significant reputational damage, loss of consumer trust and significant fines. For example, in 2023, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) fined Equifax £11,164,400 for a major security breach that exposed consumer data.
How can organizations protect themselves? It's important for businesses to protect unified communications environments using a multi-pronged approach. Below are five steps businesses can take to implement this.
Head of B2B Europe at Logitech.
Step 1: Choose the right UC software
The first step in securing unified communications environments is to work with a communications vendor that can meet your specific security needs. Businesses should assess their threat environment and determine exactly what features they will need to protect sensitive data.
For example, some may require a UCaaS solution that already complies with industry-specific standards, such as GDPR, PCI payment processing, and HIPAA (for healthcare). To ensure compliance with data sovereignty requirements, you should also consider where your data is stored.
Whatever the nature of your business, you should always make sure that the right solution has:
Comprehensive encryption capabilities:The right unified communications solution should offer end-to-end encryption for data in transit and at rest. Look for Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Real-Time Transport from your voice provider.
Access controls:Most leading UCaaS and UC solutions should include features that allow you to assign specific permissions to each of your employees. Be sure to ensure that only the right people in your organization can access specific resources and perform certain tasks.
VisibilityYour unified communications solution should allow you to track the movement of your data, determine where files and information are stored, and audit your ecosystem when necessary. It's also worth looking into solutions that allow you to implement your own security policies.
Step 2: Consider your broader cloud security strategy
Unified communications systems must be accompanied by a broader cloud security strategy. This is especially crucial if you are building a team of on-site, hybrid, and remote or mobile workers.
Consider what kind of network security strategies you will need to implement, such as firewalls that can protect your company from external attacks. Think about how your employees gain access to your cloud ecosystem and whether you should implement zero-trust strategies to ensure the wrong people can't get into your ecosystem.
It's also worth looking into applications and software that can help enhance your cloud security strategies, such as endpoint device management tools, automated vulnerability management software, and solutions that can monitor threats and notify your teams when risks arise.
Step 3: Don't forget your hardware
Software is an important part of the unified communications experience. However, the right hardware is also needed to ensure that employees can remain productive and connect with their colleagues wherever they are. If you are leveraging a cloud-based environment for communications, you will need a secure SBC (session border controller) solution.
Companies now offer solutions with tools to protect against major threats such as SQL injection and denial of service attacks. When purchasing meeting and collaboration room hardware, choose a vendor that takes a security-first design approach.
Step 4: Address the problem of human error
Up to 88% of data breaches and security issues in any given business are the result of human error. UC system controls can also limit who can access specific tools and resources to reduce your exposure to threats.
However, there are other steps that can be taken to create a truly secure environment. For example, implementing multi-factor authentication methods can protect accounts from external attacks. Companies should also provide password management tools, as well as training staff on how to identify common unified communications threats.
Step 5: Constantly monitor and analyze risks
It’s not enough to simply implement security standards. Businesses need systems that allow them to track potential issues, determine threats, and implement more comprehensive security strategies going forward. Intelligent monitoring software can help you monitor calls and conversations in real time, looking for signs of suspicious activity. The right tools can also make it easier to track how endpoints and hardware are being used, and look for gaps in security configurations. Plus, there are solutions that can give you a real-time view of your network’s security at any given time.
Make sure you have a plan in place to maintain full visibility into any security issues and develop a disaster recovery plan so your teams know what to do if something goes wrong.
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