While remote work via unified communications has numerous benefits, one of the biggest concerns for businesses is security. With so many employees working from home, a lot of sensitive business information is being shared online via UCaaS products. Are those products truly capable of delivering this data to the right person safely and securely?
The answer is yes! While relatively new, UCaaS offerings have what it takes to keep your business information your business. In fact, we’ve listed several security parameters that are automatically included in most, if not all, UCaaS solutions on the market today!
Safeguarded Data Centers – Both Physical and Virtual
All of your business information is hosted on cloud-based networks. These networks are housed in both physical and virtual data centers that require several layers of security. Physical data centers are protected by deadbolt or combination locks and a regular security patrol. Another level of protection is a redundant power supply, allowing data to securely be transmitted even in the event of an outage!
Virtual data centers are locked down by either database or full-disk encryptions and are subject to regular security audits and digital tracking. These security measures are performed by trusted engineers skilled in cybersecurity and regulatory compliance. This and 24-hour expert monitoring allows UCaaS providers to maintain the highest security standard.
Be sure to look at a provider’s security certificates and ask about their PCI compliance. If all of them are in order, odds are they’re a leading name in UCaaS security.
SRTP & TLS-Enabled Communication Channels
Yes, we know, that’s a lot of acronyms. But they’re both very important. But before we dive into their importance, we should briefly touch on VoIP. UCaaS services often utilize VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) a system that uses the internet to transform calls into data packets that can be transmitted over the internet. It’s crucial these data packets are protected. And this is where SRTP comes in. SRTP (Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol) encrypts the data packets – making sure they’re safe from any hacking attempts.
Another level of encryption is TLS (or Transport Layer Security). This is a security protocol typically used to encrypt communication between web applications and servers – like when you activate your softphone on your desktop computer. But it can also be used to secure email, messaging, and VoIP.
End-to-End Data Encryption
As more employees use their cell phones as their office phones, conversational security can be a challenge. However, thanks to end-to-end encryption (E2EE), sensitive business can be protected no matter where it’s transmitted. E2EE applies a layer of encryption to any and all devices being utilized in a conversation. Data is scrambled, preventing hackers or other ne’er-do-wells trying to listen in. The message can only be unscrambled by its recipient, meaning it can’t be tampered with while in transit! E2EE can also protect communication you send in certain browsers.
Controlled User Access
A lot of business information is stored on a company’s UCaaS platform, from instant messages to call records to emails. You need to ensure only the people you approve of have access to that platform. All platforms are secured by strict password requirements, asking for longer words and phrases that include numbers, letters, and symbols. It’s basic, but effective.
And while single sign-on (SSO) authentication is common, allowing users to authenticate their identity on multiple apps and websites with just one username and password, it can pose its own challenges.
This is why many UCaaS platforms also come with multi-factor authentication capabilities. It requires users to go through two or more validation factors to prove they are who they say they are. This can be additional codes sent to their company email or desktop phone, or even simple questions about their alma mater or their mother’s maiden name.
At every turn, UCaaS prioritizes the safety of your business information.
Strict Account Management
What about security at the administrative level? After all, if you must terminate or demote an employee, it’s important that their access to your business information is restricted. It also applies to hiring new employees. For example, you wouldn’t want junior salespeople to have unfettered access to call records for the entire company.
UCaaS has you covered. The administrative portal for most solutions gives the admin team the ability to set permission levels for each individual employee. Admins can also set specific call destinations for users who only need access to certain customers or departments, access in-depth call records on a per-user basis, or even blacklist certain users from the back end.
This hands-on opportunity to monitor and manage your business information is one of the biggest benefits of unified communications and virtual PBX offerings. It’s important that whatever offering you have comes with a robust account management system.
Enjoy the Tightest Security Measures with Yabbit
Our UC&C solution is equipped with everything necessary to keep your business information safe and sound. The secure portal has already been enabled with TLS and SRTP encryption services, STIR/SHAKEN support, and more – all housed in the safest data centers money could buy. Are you ready to take a trip down the rabbit hole? Call or click today to talk with a Yabbit rep and they’d be more than happy to listen to and advise you, after all, we’re all ears!