Voice over IP (VoIP) has transformed business communications with its flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. But as with any internet-based system, it introduces cybersecurity risks—especially hacking and fraud.
For assisted living and senior care communities, where missed calls can affect resident care or emergency responses, securing your VoIP system is mission-critical.
VoIP hacking is the unauthorized access, manipulation, or disruption of a business’s phone system. Common threats include:
VoIP vulnerabilities are not just an IT problem—they’re a business continuity and reputation issue.
Smaller organizations—especially those without in-house IT teams—are often targeted because they lack the advanced protections and monitoring found in enterprise systems. Common vulnerabilities include:
A 2023 report found that over 40% of VoIP breaches originated from unpatched systems or default login credentials—an issue that is fully preventable with basic security hygiene.
If you haven’t reviewed your setup recently, it’s worth evaluating your Business Internet Services to ensure your voice and data platforms are adequately protected.
Attackers reroute your call traffic, often to international numbers, racking up charges that may go unnoticed until the monthly bill arrives.
Without encryption, hackers can intercept voice data and listen to calls, potentially capturing confidential business or resident information.
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), the foundation of VoIP, can be manipulated if improperly configured—leading to service crashes or unauthorized access.
VoIP systems can be overwhelmed by malicious traffic, rendering phone services temporarily unusable and disrupting care coordination.
Immediately change default credentials. Use complex passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible.
Keep VoIP on a separate VLAN or subnet from other traffic. If one part of the network is breached, this limits the attacker’s movement.
Always use encryption, strong authentication, firewalls, and regular security updates to create multiple layers of defense. Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol (SRTP) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) are standard for encrypting voice data.
Set up alerts for irregular call volumes or international dialing patterns. Many businesses also conduct routine audits of call logs and user permissions to detect anomalies early.
Outdated systems are a top entry point for attackers. Apply updates on phones, routers, PBXs, and management interfaces as soon as they’re released.
Inactive lines or features can be exploited if left open. Disable what’s not actively in use to limit entry points for attackers.
Limit access to your VoIP system’s admin settings to essential personnel only. Ensure that only authorized users can make system-wide changes, review call logs, or update configurations.
VoIP-related fraud isn’t just an inconvenience—it can be expensive. Toll fraud alone can cost a business thousands of dollars in unauthorized international charges within hours. Beyond financial damage, call disruptions or eavesdropping can compromise resident privacy and violate industry compliance requirements.
Unsecured phone systems can also become a liability in care environments, where reliable communication with family members, physicians, or emergency responders is a daily necessity.
Investing in secure Business Telephone Services tailored for operational environments helps ensure your communication remains fast, private, and compliant.
In senior and assisted living communities, every phone call can carry urgency—whether it’s coordinating with healthcare providers or connecting families with their loved ones. Downtime or data breaches aren’t just technical setbacks—they’re disruptions to care.
VoIP security in these settings is about more than compliance. It’s about ensuring consistent, safe, and reliable communication at all times.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) allows businesses to make phone calls over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. It reduces costs, supports remote work, and integrates with software tools for productivity and call management.
VoIP is susceptible to password brute force attacks, unsecured SIP endpoints, and misconfigured routers—often due to lack of maintenance or system audits.
These include DoS attacks, SIP registration hijacking, audio injection, and voicemail breaches.
Even a brief outage can delay medication delivery, isolate residents from family, or prevent emergency calls.
Standard security includes encrypted signaling/media, usage restrictions, VPN tunneling, and access control policies.
Separate voice and data into isolated virtual networks to reduce risk. Use VLANs and limit external port access.
Log reviews, call detail records (CDRs), and geolocation flags help detect abnormal behavior early.
Immediately isolate the affected endpoint, disable suspicious extensions, and consult your VoIP service provider.
Include VoIP failure protocols in your disaster recovery plan. Backup phone lines and routing failover matter.
Consider working with voice providers like us who offer tailored services with built-in protections.
VoIP fraud is growing more sophisticated, but the tools to prevent it are accessible. By following the best practices outlined above, segmenting networks, using encryption, and enforcing tight controls, you can reduce risk dramatically.
Let’s talk. If you’re ready to assess your phone system’s security or improve performance, we’re here to help with tailored solutions that protect what matters most.