Security in the Cloud: Is a Cloud Based Phone System Secure?
As the cloud-based phone system gradually takes over the communication monopoly that landlines have established for a long time, many have been very skeptical about its security. It is a relatively new technology compared to the wired setup and would definitely have a big shoe to fit when it comes to becoming the go-to voice call platform.
However, it continues to show promise in the modern workplace landscape, including the security of the users and the data processed through it. So to answer the question if a cloud phone system is secure, the answer is a resounding YES.
It is secure in the sense that, aside from safeguarding call data, it can also establish other business aspects that are very crucial and beneficial to modern businesses.
What does a cloud-based phone system secure?
Security is not a one-dimensional thing, especially for cloud phone systems. And as mentioned, aside from the data protection it can bring into the fold, it also establishes critical processes that further mobilize a modern workplace.
Calls
For starters, a cloud phone system is not connected nor routed within a public telephone network and is operating over the internet. And since it is hosted via cloud technology, each call is encrypted and is further protected. This combination of its features virtually makes it impossible to hack.
Basically, the cloud phone system will adopt and replicate the security features of the cloud technology it is using– no wonder why collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, which also has its very own cloud technology, incorporate a cloud phone system as one of its productivity features. It allowed them to stretch the full capabilities of Azure to their very own cloud phone system embedded in Teams.
Data from users
By just having the cloud technology and its encryption capability on each call, hacking and other data breaches are already taken care of from outside attacks. But what about the risks of data breaches from the users themselves?
This is where a cloud-based phone system really comes in handy. This approach saves all call logs, contact information, and other crucial call-related data exclusively within an app and is backed up with the cloud’s storage. This way, once a device is compromised, the IT team can quickly pinpoint the breach and disable app access through that device.
Another instance that this is helpful is when an employee leaves the company. Even if it is the employee’s personal device, once the IT team cuts off the access to the call data via the app, there is no way they can share it with others.
Call reliability
Harnessing the cloud technology makes a cloud phone system highly reliable in handling calls, making them almost impossible to experience downtimes. This is because these calls are hosted using multiple servers that were spread across various locations. So, in case of technical issues in a particular region, there is always a backup server to save the day.
Another worth-noting call reliability aspect is that it provides technical flexibility. This means that users can make calls from any location, from any device, provided that there is an internet connection. This also covers how fast a company can scale up its operations along with the growth of the business as they no longer need hard-wired lines to establish new phone users. They can simply add users to their cloud phone subscriptions, and they are good to go!
One great example of this is the easy-to-setup calling plans that Microsoft Teams has. No frills, just scale up the call subscription that you require.
What can you do to keep a cloud-based phone system secure?
While cloud technologies have struggles and challenges of their own, let us also admit that the threats to data security and organizational processes are sometimes caused by user error. Here are some practical ways to do our part in strengthening the security of a cloud phone system in place:
- Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks – especially when making official phone calls or even simply sharing critical business files. Cybercriminals have a way of fishing out data from these networks without the users noticing. If possible and available, use a VPN for an additional layer of security.
- Create strong passwords and update them regularly – to make sure that the users will set up less predictable passwords that hackers may try to decode and to let everyone stay current on their log-ins.
- Keep your software up to date – to ensure that your cloud phone software has all the recent security features installed.
Conclusion
The conversation can keep on going to prove that a cloud-based phone system is secure enough to replace a wired phone system. And along with the security it provides, it establishes business-critical features that are a total game-changer for a modern worker.
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