Many firms have been using the best videoconferencing technology using Internet protocols (IP). They can communicate in real-time with offices and clients in remote locations, saving travel expenses. However, there are certain security risks associated with videoconferencing that must be addressed.
To work correctly, a video conferencing program must interact with other systems within your network, which can introduce security risks. Encryption between the video setup and the rest of your network helps minimize any possible problem. Any browser interfaces should use SSL security.
What Are Virtual Security Risks?
Video conferencing software is an excellent tool for conducting meetings while saving travel costs. However, video conference security risks are legitimate and should be taken seriously. As technology progresses, so do security risks.
Confidentiality
Video conferencing involves sensitive and confidential information, such as financial data, legal documents, and trade secrets. If this information falls into the wrong hands, it could result in significant financial and reputational damage to the organization.
Privacy
Video conferencing can also raise privacy concerns. For example, if unauthorized people gain access to a video conference, they could listen in on confidential discussions and steal sensitive information.
Legal Compliance
Specific industries and businesses may be subject to regulations that require secure communication channels, such as HIPAA for healthcare organizations.
Cybersecurity Threats
Video conferencing is vulnerable to cyber security risks, such as hacking and phishing, which can disrupt the conference, steal sensitive information, and potentially infect systems with malware.
By taking necessary precautions, organizations can ensure that their video conferencing remains secure and free of security risks while providing peace of mind for employees and clients.
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll offer you personalized software recommendations.
What Are the Security Risks of Videoconferencing?
Videoconferencing comes with several security risks that must be addressed to ensure that sensitive information is protected.
Unauthorized Access
One of the leading security risks associated with videoconferencing is the possibility of unauthorized access. A video conferencing program can introduce security risks when interacting with other systems within a network. To minimize these security risks, it is essential to use encryption between the video setup and the rest of the network, as well as to password-protect meetings and limit access to only those individuals with appropriate login information.
You could set up a list of participants in the discussion, and only those individuals have access to join in and they must adhere to the best videoconferencing etiquette. The same level of care should be taken regarding who can record meetings. Password-protect your conferences and give access to only those with appropriate login information to minimize security risks.
DoS Attacks
Common security risks associated with videoconferencing is the possibility of "denial of service" attacks, viruses, and other security risks involving buffer overflow. To address these risks, it is recommended to use a "session border controller" instead of a regular firewall, as a session border controller is designed for media flows and can act as a filter and manager between the enterprise network and the outside world.
Spying or Modification
Security risks for videoconferencing include the potential for spying or modification of information. These types of security risks can be addressed by using SRTP media encryption to protect against threats regarding spying or modification. It is also essential to use encryption for the SIP trunking to connect the Internet to the internal PBX and to require mutual authentication of all devices in the trunk to avoid security risks.
Security risks involving the SIP trunking, which is used to connect the Internet to the internal PBX, can be handled by requiring mutual authentication of all the devices in the trunk. Ending the SIP trunks on a SIP proxy, such as a Sub-band coding (SBC), is suggested.
Vendor Security Risks
More security risks associated with videoconferencing is hosted video conferencing, which uses a third party for communications. This can expose a business to individuals not part of the company. Therefore, it is vital to inquire about security measures with the hosting firm to protect privacy.
By taking these steps, businesses can use videoconferencing with confidence, knowing that sensitive information is protected from security risks.
How Can You Ensure Secure Video Conferencing?
As the use of videoconferencing technology has increased, so have its security risks. To mitigate these risks, several solutions have been developed that organizations can implement. Some of the most common solutions include:
Data Encryption
One of the most effective ways to mitigate security risks in videoconferencing is encryption. Encryption of the video setup and the rest of the network helps to minimize the risk of hacking and other security threats. Security risks against the control channel can be managed with the SIP/TLS encryption of signaling.
Encryption and password protection should be your first line of defense whenever possible. Be careful, but don't let your security risks concerns prevent you from participating in this exciting Internet functionality. Encryption of signaling can also help manage security risks against the control channel.
Password Protection
Another essential security risks solution for videoconferencing is password protection. Password protection of meetings and giving access to only authorized individuals helps to prevent unauthorized access and data theft.
Session Border Controller
A session border controller (SBC) can be used as a filter and manager between the enterprise network and the outside world. It is designed specifically for media flows and can help to mitigate security threats involving the SIP trunking used to connect the internet to the internal PBX.
Public Key Infrastructure
Security risks against the end-points and serves can be directed with a critical public infrastructure known as a PKI. Security risks concerning endpoints and servers can be mitigated using a critical public infrastructure (PKI). A PKI is a set of protocols and infrastructure that provides secure communication and authentication of users, devices, and applications.
Media Encryption
Security risks involving spying or modifying videoconferencing data can be mitigated using secure real-time transport protocol (SRTP) media encryption. SRTP provides encryption and authentication of audio and video data, helping to prevent eavesdropping and data tampering security risks.
Mutual Authentication
To mitigate security risks involving SIP trunking, mutual authentication of all devices in the trunk can be required. This ensures that only trusted devices can access the network, helping to prevent unauthorized access.
Firewall Configuration
Configuring the firewall to allow only authorized traffic and block malicious traffic can also help to mitigate security risks associated with videoconferencing.
In addition to these solutions, it is also important to regularly update software and operating systems to ensure that the latest security risks patches are applied. Organizations should also periodically review their security risks policies and procedures and conduct regular security risk assessments to identify and address potential security risks.
Compare videoconferencing solutions with the best security risks mitigating features.
