Typically, when you hear of hacking, you think of computer hacking. Computer hackers are unauthorized users who break into computer systems to steal, change, or destroy information, often by installing dangerous malware without your knowledge or consent. However, did you know that Internet-connected work phones pose the same security risks as your computers?
This is especially true for those who share their server infrastructures. Join us as we review what exactly a server is, the pros of having your own in-house, and the risks associated with sharing services.
What is a server?
A server is an application that responds to requests for information or files. A business typically has two options for hosting their Internet-connected phone systems; go with a local on-premises “dedicated” server infrastructure or work with a cloud service-based provider. Server security is important because servers often hold a great deal of an organization’s vital information. If a server is compromised, all its contents can become available to others or be deleted altogether.
How does using a server ensure privacy?
Secure servers help organizations conduct secure and private network transactions. For example, at E-MetroTel, every customer resides on their own private instance, which means no services are shared. This provides high-quality, secure, and private service. Without a secure server, you run the risk of the following from hackers:
Eavesdropping
You may be surprised at how easy it is for hackers to listen in on your calls and record them to spy on your company. Once they’re in, they can gain control of your mailbox, call forwarding, caller ID, and more to launch more complex attacks.
Vishing
Vishing, a combination of ‘voice’ and ‘phishing,’ is a phone scam that hackers take advantage of to try and get you to share personal information. These hackers can place hundreds of calls at a time and tweak the caller ID to make the call appear to come from a trusted source; this is called “caller ID spoofing.” According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Compliant Center, phishing crimes cost victims $48 million in 2018.
Call Fraud
Call fraud is when a hacker taps into your VoIP line and uses it to make high-volume spam calls to foreign countries.
Denial of Service (DoS) Attack
A Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack is meant to shut down a network, making it inaccessible to its intended users. Hackers accomplish this by flooding the target with traffic or sending it information that triggers a crash. In both instances, the DoS attack deprives legitimate users of the service or resources they need.
Viruses and Malware
Just like office computers, your Internet-connected phones are vulnerable to viruses and malicious software (malware). This can allow hackers to track keystrokes, destroy information, instruct the phone to make spam calls, and more.
You may be thinking that your company is too small or low-profile to attract attention from hackers; however, this may not be the case. Instead, it would help if you thought of hackers like burglars as they aren’t necessarily looking for the wealthiest house on the block; they’re looking for the easiest to break into. As such, you need to choose a solution that offers multiple layers of security. E-MetroTel provides a secure and reliable network for both cloud and on-premises that companies can trust.
About E-MetroTel
E-MetroTel provides unified business communications systems to a global client base through leading edge telephony hardware and software. We deliver streamlined migration to complete solutions that tightly integrate digital, IP, analog, and Unified Communications (UC) capabilities.
Founded in 2009, E-MetroTel includes many former Nortel and Avaya employees with deep technical knowledge of our enterprise products and service offerings. Our design and support teams are based in the United States and Canada, with a global distribution and reseller network that provides seamless implementation for our customers.
To serve the unique requirements of our clients, we offer a wide range of choices to meet their current business needs and budget. Through a careful consultation process, our network of authorized resellers explores complete, customized solutions to ensure easy adoption, hybrid integration, superior customer support, and longevity. We offer cloud technology, enterprise software, virtualization, and virtual appliance options.
Our vanguard design team relentlessly pursues next generation innovations in communication solutions, which is why we are the only manufacturer providing XSTIM smart VoIP technology, patented digital technology, hybrid systems implementation, and migration from Nortel PBX. We also lead our competitors in digital telephony investment.
Author:
Ardavan Nawaby – CEO
