Unified Communication (UC) systems are now an essential part of business technology, enabling organizations to align communications, improve collaboration, and respond to the changing needs of employees.
But in recent years, we’ve seen an increase in security threats and attacks. From distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks targeting VoIP services and mobile apps, to a rise in a myriad of hacking strategies from phishing to malware, the paths to UC make them an attractive target for criminals. The results can be catastrophic.
Failure to invest in the right security standards can result in significant reputational damage, loss of consumer trust and heavy fines. For example, in 2023, Equifax was fined £11,164,400 by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for a major security breach that exposed consumer data.
How can organizations protect themselves? It’s important for companies to secure UC environments through a multifaceted approach. Here are five steps companies can take to implement this.
Head of B2B Europe at Logitech.
Step 1: Choose the right UC software
The first step in securing UC environments is to partner with a communications vendor that can meet your specific security needs. Businesses should assess their threat environment and determine exactly what features you need to protect sensitive data.
For example, some may need a UCaaS solution that already meets specific industry standards such as GDPR, PCI payment processing, and HIPAA (for healthcare). To ensure you meet data sovereignty requirements, you should also consider where your data is stored.
Regardless of the nature of your business, you should always ensure that the right solution:
Extensive encryption options: The right UC solution should provide end-to-end encryption for data in transit and at rest. Look for Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Real-Time Transport protocol from your voice vendor.
Access controls: Most leading UCaaS and UC solutions should have features that allow you to assign specific permissions to each of your employees. Ensure that you can guarantee that only the right people in your organization can access specific resources and perform certain tasks.
Visibility: Your UC 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 for solutions that allow you to implement your own security policies.
Step 2: Consider your broader cloud security strategy
A broader cloud security strategy should accompany UC systems. This is especially critical if you are building a team of office-based, hybrid, and remote or mobile workers.
Consider what network security strategies you need to implement, such as firewalls that can protect your business from outside attacks. Consider how your employees access your cloud ecosystem and whether you need to implement zero-trust strategies to ensure the wrong people can’t enter your ecosystem.
It’s also worth looking at apps and software that can help you enhance your cloud security strategies, such as endpoint device management tools, automated vulnerability management software, and solutions that can monitor threats and alert your teams when risks arise.
Step 3: Don’t forget your hardware
Software is a key part of the UC experience. But you also need the right hardware to ensure employees can stay productive and connect with colleagues, wherever they are. If you’re using a cloud-based communications environment, you’ll need a secure Session Border Controller (SBC) solution.
Companies now offer solutions with tools to protect against major threats such as SQL injection and denial-of-service attacks. When purchasing meeting room and collaboration hardware, choose a vendor that takes a security-first approach to design.
Step 4: Address the problem of human error
Up to 88% of data breaches and security issues in any business are the result of human error. UC system controls can also limit who has access to specific tools and resources to reduce your exposure to threats.
However, there are other steps you should take to create a truly secure environment. For example, implementing multi-factor authentication methods can protect accounts from outside attacks. Companies should also provide password management tools, in addition to training staff to identify common UC threats.
Step 5: Continuously monitor and analyze risks
It’s not enough to simply set security standards. Businesses need systems that can help them track potential issues, identify 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 settings. Plus, there are solutions that can give you a real-time view of your network security at any time.
Make sure you have a plan to maintain full visibility into any security issues and develop a disaster recovery plan so your teams know what to do if something does go wrong.
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