Category Archives for "Data Backup"

All You Need to Know About Security for VoIP Small Business Phone Systems (Part 2)

The question of VoIP phone service security is a natural concern for Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Inland Empire County small business owners considering using VoIP. However, just as with your IT network, there are practical steps you can take to make sure your VoIP business phone system is secure. Having already discussed the various possible security risks with VoIP (e.g., cyberattacks, toll fraud, viruses, etc.), let’s talk about ways to bolster your own VoIP security.

Use VoIP Encryption

The first and most important safeguard to have in place is to run VoIP on an encrypted system that resists hacking. Most VoIP business phone providers now provide encryption automatically, but ask them to be sure. (Additional safety tip: If you’re using VoIP on wi-fi, make sure your wi-fi is encrypted as well.)

Don’t Use VoIP on Shared Wi-Fi

Shared wi-fi systems (e.g., coffee shops and other public places) often have inconsistent security features, especially if they’re not password-protected. If you have to make VoIP calls on shared wi-fi, run it through a VPN (virtual personal network) for added security.

Enable Network Address Translation (NAT) on Your Router

Most internet routers have a NAT feature that creates a separate, private IP address for your VoIP system, one that is only visible from inside the network itself so it’s hidden from potential hackers. (They can’t hack an IP address they can’t see.)

Run Updates Regularly

When developers release updates for your software and system, these updates typically include security updates against the latest detected viruses, malware, etc. Always make sure to run these updates across your entire system, including your VoIP phone system, to maintain high VoIP security.

Educate Your Team on Security Protocols

The biggest cybersecurity risk is human error, not your system itself. Make sure your team knows the basic best practices of internet and VoIP security, including using strong passwords, how to detect phishing/vishing scams and suspicious callers, running antivirus programs, etc.

Along with cybersecurity, VoIP security should always be a priority for Orange County small business owners. However, by being vigilant and proactive, you can use your VoIP system with confidence knowing your system and information are safe. For more information on VoIP security best practices and the latest safeguards available, call 1-877-NetServ today.

All You Need to Know About Security for Small Business VoIP Phone Systems (Part 1)

Among small business owners thinking about switching to VoIP phone service, one of the most common concerns for small business VoIP, is VoIP security. The concerns are both understandable and valid. With all the news we hear about security breaches on computer networks—from cyberattacks to hacking to phishing—it begs the question: wouldn’t a phone system that uses the internet be susceptible to the same kinds of attacks?

Let’s start with the good news: VoIP systems in general are quite secure nowadays. Most VoIP providers have already put the necessary safeguards in place to make sure your phone system, your network, and your personal data are all kept safe. That said, it’s important to remain diligent with your own VoIP security—the same as you should with your IT systems in general. Let’s begin our discussion by exploring some of the most common VoIP security issues faced by small businesses today, then talk about the steps you can take to keep your phone network safe.

Common VoIP Security Threats

Just as hackers are constantly inventing new ways to exploit computer systems, they’re also interested in finding and exploiting the vulnerabilities of VoIP business phone systems. And as with many computer breaches, some of the VoIP vulnerabilities actually depend on the user’s response to the threat, rather than the system itself. (For example, using easy-to-guess passwords or falling prey to a phishing scheme.) Let’s talk about some threats to look out for.

• DoS (Denial of Service) attacks. In the same way that networks can be shut down by an overwhelming amount of incoming requests, a VoIP phone service for business system, may be overloaded in the same way, causing dropped calls, reduced call quality, and a disruption of phone service.
• Toll fraud. Hackers sometimes break into VoIP business phone systems and use the service to make international calls that may generate a toll for use. (Getting an exorbitantly large phone bill is a dead giveaway for this kind of attack.)
• War dialing. Just as with toll fraud, hackers can break into a VoIP system and use it to dial thousands of random numbers looking for interesting connections. (You may experience the other side of this tactic when you answer random spam calls with no one on the other line. If you dial the number back (you shouldn’t), you might find a person on the other end who has no idea their phone number was used to make the call.)
• Call interception. Hackers may occasionally listen in on your calls, sometimes to mine sensitive information they can then use against you.
• “Vishing.” This is basically the same as “phishing,” except it’s via phone rather than email. Someone calls you from a seemingly trusted Caller ID, alerts you of a “problem” and tries to get you to divulge sensitive information over the phone.
• Viruses and malware. VoIP business phone systems can be susceptible to viruses just as other software systems can, which can result in anything from malfunctions to data mining to a complete shutdown of service.

These security risks aside, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino and Inland Empire small business owners can rest assured knowing that NetServ business VoIP phone services has abundant security features in place to prevent these and other VoIP security threats. Call 1-877-NetServ to learn more.

Telecom/VoIP Solutions to Give Your Small Business a Competitive Advantage in 2021 (part 2)

No matter what difficulties your Orange County small business faced last year, there are many technological options at your disposal to help you find a competitive footing in 2021. Let’s explore some examples of how you can leverage the most current VoIP advances to position your business for greater success this year.

Working Remotely: Best Practices for Orange County Small Businesses (part 2)

As companies continue to incorporate working from home during the ongoing pandemic—and with renewed stay-at-home orders a definite possibility in the event of a “second wave” of COVID-19—now is an excellent time for Orange County small business owners to optimize their work-from-home configurations and processes. Let’s discuss a few more “best practices” for businesses seeking to establish a safe and productive system for helping employees work remotely.

Backing Up Your Small Business’s Data: Solutions and Best Practices

If you run a business in Orange County or elsewhere, the loss of data can be nothing short of devastating. Documents are the lifeblood of most businesses, and when you suddenly lose customer records, financial statements, correspondence and more, the damage may be irreversible. The good news is, you can easily avoid this tragedy by setting up a system for backing up your small business’s data on a regular basis. Let’s discuss some common best practices and solutions to help you do this.

Top Small Business IT Advances of the Past Decade (Part 2)

The past ten years have seen technology advance at a phenomenal rate, to the point that it has transformed the way most small businesses operate. Let’s continue our roundup of the most notable technological breakthroughs from the past decade.

Your Small Business’s Secret IT Vulnerabilities, and What to Do About Them

Most companies want to believe their IT systems are secure from cyberattacks and data theft. Firewalls, SSL certificates and password-protected WiFi are all essential elements of cybersecurity, but they can also lull business owners and their employees into a false sense of security. The vast majority of small businesses have secret IT vulnerabilities, which is why hackers like to target them. Let’s look at a few of the most common secret vulnerabilities that may be lurking about in your IT, and what you can do to make your business safer.