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    • Recent Telecom Breaches Highlight the Need for Secure VoIP

    January 20, 2025 CDML
    Off
    Compliance, Security, VoIP & UCaaS

    A wave of cyberattacks attributed to a state-sponsored threat group known as “Salt Typhoon” (also tracked as Earth Estries, FamousSparrow, Ghost Emperor, and UNC2286) has recently hit multiple U.S. telecommunications companies. Windstream and Charter—two carriers relied upon by many businesses in the New York Metropolitan area—are among those affected. These incidents underscore the urgent need for secure communications solutions, especially for small and mid-sized organizations that depend heavily on reliable phone and internet services.

    This isn’t the first time we’ve discussed the dangers posed by Chinese state-sponsored hacking campaigns. We’ve previously highlighted similar threats in the following blog posts:

    In this post, we’ll focus on the latest breaches, their implications for businesses, and actionable steps you can take to protect your communications.

    1. The Attacks: What Happened?

    Security researchers revealed that the Salt Typhoon threat group exploited vulnerabilities in major networking devices to gain unauthorized access to telecom infrastructures. This allowed them to:

    • Intercept text messages, voicemails, and phone calls
    • Potentially obtain wiretap information under U.S. law enforcement investigation
    • Monitor and reroute network traffic for extended periods

    The attacks primarily targeted large carriers, but the implications for small and medium businesses are no less significant.

    2. Government Guidance and Proposed Measures

    A. CISA Advisory

    The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has urged organizations to:

    • Use end-to-end encrypted messaging apps like Signal for sensitive communications
    • Deploy multifactor authentication (MFA) on all critical accounts
    • Stay current with security patches and firmware updates
    • Monitor system and network logs to detect suspicious activity

    B. Proposed Legislation

    The Secure American Communications Act aims to strengthen cybersecurity standards across telecom providers by:

    • Mandating annual vulnerability testing and patching
    • Requiring independent compliance audits
    • Allowing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to issue binding cybersecurity rules

    C. FCC Action

    The FCC has committed to improving telecom security by introducing stricter breach reporting requirements, educating businesses on best practices, and mandating robust security protocols.

    D. Potential Bans and Sanctions

    The U.S. government is exploring potential bans on certain Chinese telecom operations and has already sanctioned several foreign entities involved in these cyberattacks.

    3. Why These Attacks Matter to SMBs

    Small and medium businesses must recognize that breaches like these affect them in three major ways:

    1. Supply Chain Exposure
      Your phone and internet services are only as secure as your provider. A compromise in their systems could expose your data.
    2. Service Disruptions
      Breaches often lead to outages or degraded performance, impacting your operations and client trust.
    3. Regulatory and Compliance Risks
      Organizations that handle sensitive data must meet strict regulatory standards. A breach could result in steep fines and reputational damage.

    4. A More Secure Alternative: CDML VoIP

    CDML offers a secure VoIP service powered by the Viirtue communications platform, designed to protect against modern cyber threats. Here’s what makes our solution stand out:

    • End-to-End Encryption for calls, messaging, and vFax
    • High Availability and Redundancy to minimize downtime
    • MFA-Protected Admin Portals to safeguard critical settings
    • Comprehensive Reporting to allow immediate access to call and system usage logs.
    • Proactive Security Updates to address emerging threats
    • Scalability to grow with your business

    This solution ensures that your business communications are not only functional but also secure from interception or compromise.

    5. Actionable Steps for Protecting Communications

    1. Enable MFA Everywhere
      Ensure multifactor authentication is active on all systems, especially for admin accounts.
    2. Stay Current with Patches and Updates
      Regularly update firmware on routers, firewalls, and other networking devices to close known vulnerabilities.
    3. Monitor Call Logs and Usage
      Watch for unusual activity, such as spikes in call volume or calls to unknown numbers.
    4. Train Your Staff
      Educate employees to recognize phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics that can lead to breaches.

    6. Work With a Trusted MSP

    Partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) experienced in cybersecurity and communications can significantly reduce your risk. An MSP can:

    • Conduct comprehensive security audits
    • Implement and maintain compliance standards (e.g., HIPAA, PCI)
    • Provide 24/7 network monitoring and incident response
    • Offer secure VoIP, UCaaS, and cloud solutions tailored to your needs

    With CDML as your partner, you’ll gain access to secure, reliable communication solutions and expert guidance to keep your business running smoothly.

    7. Conclusion

    The recent breaches involving telecom providers like Windstream and Charter highlight the vulnerabilities in modern communication systems. While the U.S. government and telecom industry are working to strengthen defenses, businesses must also take proactive steps to protect their data and communications.

    By adopting CDML’s secure VoIP solution on the Viirtue platform, along with implementing best practices like MFA and regular patching, your business can stay ahead of emerging threats.

    For more insights and expert advice, explore our blog at cdml.com/blog-2 or contact us directly:

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