Category Archives for "Data Backup"

0 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.

0 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.

0 Is That A Business Continuity Plan in Your Pocket Or A Bunch of Jargon?

 

Is That a Business Continuity Plan in Your Pocket or a Bunch of Jargon?

Technology is full of difficult jargon. To further complicate things, certain terms are often used in a different context between one publication or service provider and the next. An example of this is the usage of backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity. These terms are commonly used interchangeably, often resulting in confusion. In an effort to alleviate some of this confusion, let’s describe each physical process. You will see an overlay among all three, although they are each different processes.

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0 8 Cold Hard Truths for SMBs not Worried About Data Recovery and Business Continuity

 

8 Cold Hard Truths for SMBs Not Worried About Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity

The foundation of any successful business continuity solution is the ability to retrieve data from any point in time from anywhere. When the topic of data recovery and business continuity comes up, you get the feeling that many decision makers at smaller businesses and organizations wish they could channel their inner six year old, simply cover their ears, and sing “La, la, la. I Can’t Hear You. I’m Not Listening.”

Everybody thinks bad things only happen to other people. Just because we hear about a fatal car accident on the morning news, doesn’t mean we fixate on that news when we ourselves get into a car and drive to work.

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0 The Sky’s the Limit for SMBs Taking to the Cloud

 

The Sky’s the Limit for SMBs Taking to the Cloud

There has been a lot of hype about cloud computing transforming the way small-to-medium sized businesses do business. Proponents of the cloud say that cloud computing has leveled the playing field, allowing SMBs to finally compete with bigger companies despite their limited financial resources and staffing.

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