SIP Common Method Of Attacks

SIP Security Threats: Common Methods of Attack

Because SIP trunking requires an Internet connection, your business phone systems may be more susceptible to cyberattacks. Below are some examples of common SIP threats you could be vulnerable to without enhanced network security. 

  • Spoofing. Scammers spoof – or impersonate IP addresses by “sniffing” data packets – business numbers to make unauthorized calls and gain access to critical information used for fraudulent activities. 
  • Call Flooding. Attackers spoof a network user, flooding the phone system with calls so legitimate callers are unable to reach the organization. 
  • Eavesdropping. The act of intercepting personal or confidential communications over the Internet without consent to obtain sensitive information.
  • SIP Modification Attack. Hackers tamper with signals, call flows, key codes, and more to compromise data integrity. 
  • DoS/DDoS. Denial of service and distributed denial of service attacks send so much malicious traffic to a network that it can no longer communicate properly, preventing legitimate calls from getting through. 
  • Spam. Hackers targeting callers with robocalls and phony requests.
  • Phishing. Like spam, these attacks prey on vulnerable users to get sensitive and personal information as if they were coming from a trusted source.
  • Toll Fraud. Attackers artificially rack up expensive toll charges from international numbers on lines outside an organization’s phone system, taking a cut of revenue generated from the calls.

Best Practices for Secure SIP Calling

  1. Regular system updates. Applying system updates to your operating systems can help protect your network from exploitation and malicious attacks. 
  2. Use a VPN. Many companies set up their VoIP platforms on a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect their traffic regardless of where their teams are located. VPNs automatically encrypt traffic, providing businesses a higher level of security than a simple at-home WiFi network. 
  3. Setup Firewalls. A barrier against untrustworthy networks, firewalls protect your network from specific traffic based on your security parameters. 
  4. Examine Call Logs. Review the company’s call logs to track any unusual call behavior. You can monitor your call volume in a variety of views using a call analytics dashboard. 
  5. Establish Security Best Practices. Implement routine security training for all employees and encourage them to report suspicious behavior.