Diligence in Security a Must With Audio Conferencing

  

  

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As small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) continue to drive the demand for audio conferencing solutions, there is an increased need for security for those who have implemented conferencing as part of their communications strategy. Internal business property, whether it is business plans, a new business model or operational details, must be protected as information shared between colleagues through audio conferencing could be at risk.

Depending upon the technology the SMB uses to communicate with partners, colleagues and customers, there may or may not be proper audio conferencing security measures in place. A number of different corporate phone systems offer audio conferencing features, but do not provide the proper security to ensure that the only participants in a call are those who have been invited.

Security Should be Inherent in Robust Audio Conferencing Solutions

A robust audio conferencing solution should protect audio conference access through the use of conference IDs, unique Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords. Application Service Providers (ASPs) will typically provide conference user hosts with the ability to access a list of participants at any time, while also allowing for the ability to lock the conference to prevent unwanted or unauthorized attendees.

Conference facilitators may also prefer the configuration of entry and exit announcements and the ability to eject participants who enter an audio conference uninvited. If VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is in place, the audio conferencing solution should be placed behind the firewall to take advantage of existing corporate IP security already in place.

The use of dynamic bridge numbers can also be an effective method for controlling the participation in audio conference calls. If a number were to remain the same for every interaction between key corporate players, the information being shared on the call is at risk. If Web conferencing is being used, proprietary information and other data could also be vulnerable.

Vulnerability of Networks

Whether the SMB relies on Web conferencing or audio conferencing to help drive effective communications in a global environment, it is important to remember that networks are inherently always open and security is always vulnerable. The SMB should already have specific technologies in place to protect information. Those technologies should be evaluated in their relationship to conferencing to ensure the proper protections are in place.

Security diligence conducted by the SMB and the audio conferencing provider helps to ensure the company does not put itself or its information assets at risk when conferencing is used as a key communications tool. Audio conferencing can only deliver expected benefits when risks are mitigated.