Known as one of the most favored open-source PBX (Private Branch Exchange) software solutions, Asterisk is used for online VoIP communication. It is a reliable option whether you want to have a conversation with someone over the Internet via text message, audio call, or video call. The platform offers reliability in terms of features and all. However, there are certain cyber threats associated with it as well that you do not want to affect your Asterisk VoIP Security and communication networks.
If you do not take it seriously, you may end up facing severe challenges that may affect your organizational conversation, data security, and call integrity. It is not that only the VoIP communication network is prone to cyber-attacks. But like other online platforms, it is vulnerable to these kinds of security issues such as online fraud, DOS (denial-of-service), eavesdropping, etc.
In this blog post presented by Skyair Info Solution, you are going to understand some critical steps to consider to safeguard Asterisk VoIP software solutions from potential cyber threats.
5 Effective Steps to Safeguard Communication from Cyber Threats
When using the Asterisk VoIP platform for your business communication purposes, it is important to keep security in mind. Otherwise, you may end up exposing your organization to unknown vulnerabilities of cyber attacks. Here are 5 effective steps that you should be considering when you choose Asterisk VoIP platform for online calling operations—
Secured Authentication & Access Control
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Putting two-factor authentication to the Asterisk platform is one of the easiest, yet effective safety approaches for your communication network. It acts as an additional layer of security, adding a verification step that requires time-based OTPs.
- Implementing SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) Credentials & Strong Passwords: It is easier for cybercriminals to exploit default credentials and simplest passwords. So, carefully change the credentials after software installation and keep passwords hard to predict (i.e., include lowercase, uppercase, numbers, and special characters).
- IP Whitelisting: Allow access to limited IP addresses only as it helps minimize the chances of unauthorized individuals entering the organization’s systems.
Highly-Protected RTP & SIP Calling
- Invalidate unutilized SIP Methods: In your Asterisk configurations, invalidate additional or unwanted SIP methods like INFO OPTIONS, etc. This practice is very effective as it helps lower the probability of cybercriminals exploiting these unused SIP methods.
- Enable TLS & SRTP Encryption: Without proper encryption, cyber attackers can interrupt and eavesdrop on calls. Therefore, make use of Transport Layer Security for encryption practice SIP traffic. Same as that, enabling RTP can help safeguard voice conveyance from any kind of interruption.
Frequent Security Patches & Software Updates
Just like other systems, keeping Asterisk software solutions updated from time-to-time helps minimize the risks of unauthorized access or other cyber attacks.
- Always stay updated about the latest and stable system version offered to Asterisk systems.
- Utilize the security patches as soon as they are available for use.
- You can be well informed about new threats and updates by quite frequently checking out the Asterisk security advisory page.
Safeguard Web Interface of the Asterisk
The VoIP PBX Asterisk web interface such as FreePBX is often easily attacked by cybercriminals. Therefore, it becomes essential to—
- Whenever web access is not required for any purpose, it is important that you disable it, which also helps ensure safety from cyber attacks.
- HTTP is of utmost importance when your business VoIP solution is in use and you have a large amount of web traffic. It helps efficiently encrypt the system and offers optimal safety.
- You can also control the access to your Asterisk VoIP communication system and allow it to only a limited IP.
Back-Up Keeping & Disaster Recovery Planning
- Scheduling Frequent Backups: When you focus on scheduling backups frequently, it helps recover as soon as possible from cyber attacks or any kind of system failure. You can take backup of call logs and critical recordings, SIP accounts and related settings, and all Asterisk configurations.
- Disaster Recovery Strategies and Testing: Create a strategy that involves how you can recover from any cyber attacks, system failure, or other various unexpected cyber disasters. You have to test these recovery strategies on a regular basis, which can help ensure that everything will be under control as soon as any undesired incidents take place.