Protecting your business phone calls over the internet, known as Voice over IP (VoIP), is essential to maintain clear communication and safeguard sensitive information. Without proper security, your VoIP system can be vulnerable to eavesdropping, call interception, fraud, or service disruption, all of which can harm your business operations and reputation.
Why securing VoIP matters for UK SMEs
VoIP systems handle not only voice data but often customer details and internal conversations. If these are compromised, it can lead to data breaches that attract regulatory scrutiny under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Additionally, disruption to phone services can cause downtime, affecting staff productivity and customer trust. Cybercriminals may also exploit weak VoIP security to make unauthorised premium-rate calls, leading to unexpected costs.
A typical scenario
Consider a UK SME with around 50 staff using a cloud-based VoIP system. Without network segmentation or encryption, attackers could intercept calls or inject malicious traffic, causing call quality issues or outages. A managed IT provider would assess the network, implement encryption protocols like TLS and SRTP, ensure strong firewall rules, and monitor traffic for unusual activity. They would also help enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for system access and keep the VoIP software updated to patch vulnerabilities.
Practical checklist to secure your VoIP calls
- Ask your IT provider: Do you encrypt VoIP traffic end-to-end? What firewall and intrusion detection measures are in place?
- Check software updates: Are your VoIP devices and applications regularly updated with security patches?
- Use strong authentication: Is MFA enabled for VoIP system access and admin accounts?
- Segment your network: Is VoIP traffic isolated from general data traffic to reduce attack surface?
- Monitor call logs: Are call records and access logs reviewed for unusual patterns or unauthorised use?
- Secure remote access: If staff use VoIP remotely, is their connection protected by VPN or secure gateways?
- Review supplier security: Does your VoIP provider comply with recognised standards like Cyber Essentials or ISO 27001?
Next steps
Securing VoIP calls is a specialised area of network management that benefits from expert support. Discuss your current setup and concerns with a trusted managed IT provider who understands UK SME needs and compliance expectations. They can help implement practical controls that protect your communications without disrupting daily business.