Secure SIP Protocols: UDP vs. TCP vs. TLS
Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) is essential for modern cloud communications. But SIP connections are IP-based, making it vulnerable to attack from fraudsters and bad actors. How does SIP signaling work, what's the best protocol for secured SIP trunking, and how do you protect your network from cyber attacks? We break it down for you today.
SIP Signaling & Security in Modern Communications
Global enterprises are leaning on SIP (session initiation protocol) to better connect with their international customers. The modern contact center utilizes SIP to move real-time communications over the Internet through a technology called SIP trunking.
As organizations move to integrate with cloud technologies and shift to virtual communications, contact center leaders are expressing concern with infrastructure and SIP security. Accenture’s 2020 report, The State of Cybersecurity, uncovers dozens of trends and the impact cybersecurity is having on digital environments, including:
- 82% of leaders spend over 1/5 of their IT budget on tech security, twice as much as three years ago.
- 40% of cyber security breaches stem from indirect attacks.
- More than half of leaders experienced breaches longer than 24 hours.
- Cyber protection investment costs have increased 25% YoY.
- 83% of leaders agree that securing their enterprise is not enough; securing network traffic & tech stacks are necessary.
Business leaders should prioritize their network and SIP security to continue operating efficiently. The benefits of SIP trunking include failover routing for business continuity, reduced telephony costs, and SIP transport protocols that facilitate secure voice and media connections. Sounds a little confusing, right? No worries, we're here to cut through the technical jargon for you! By the end of this article, you'll know:
- The most common methods of cyberattack.
- SIP security best practices for any organization using IP-based communications.
- The role of UDP, TCP, and TLS in SIP trunking and which one is best for security.
SIP Security Threats: Common Methods of Attack
Because SIP trunking requires an Internet connection, your business phone systems may be more susceptible to cyberattacks. Below are some examples of common SIP threats you could be vulnerable to without enhanced network security.
- Spoofing. Scammers spoof - or impersonate IP addresses by “sniffing” data packets - business numbers to make unauthorized calls and gain access to critical information used for fraudulent activities.
- Call Flooding. Attackers spoof a network user, flooding the phone system with calls so legitimate callers are unable to reach the organization.
- Eavesdropping. The act of intercepting personal or confidential communications over the Internet without consent to obtain sensitive information.
- SIP Modification Attack. Hackers tamper with signals, call flows, key codes, and more to compromise data integrity.
- DoS/DDoS. Denial of service and distributed denial of service attacks send so much malicious traffic to a network that it can no longer communicate properly, preventing legitimate calls from getting through.
- Spam. Hackers targeting callers with robocalls and phony requests.
- Phishing. Like spam, these attacks prey on vulnerable users to get sensitive and personal information as if they were coming from a trusted source.
- Toll Fraud. Attackers artificially rack up expensive toll charges from international numbers on lines outside an organization’s phone system, taking a cut of revenue generated from the calls.
Best Practices for Secure SIP Calling
- Regular system updates. Applying system updates to your operating systems can help protect your network from exploitation and malicious attacks.
- Use a VPN. Many companies set up their VoIP platforms on a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect their traffic regardless of where their teams are located. VPNs automatically encrypt traffic, providing businesses a higher level of security than a simple at-home WiFi network.
- Setup Firewalls. A barrier against untrustworthy networks, firewalls protect your network from specific traffic based on your security parameters.
- Examine Call Logs. Review the company’s call logs to track any unusual call behavior. You can monitor your call volume in a variety of views using a call analytics dashboard.
- Establish Security Best Practices. Implement routine security training for all employees and encourage them to report suspicious behavior.
UDP, TCP, & TLS: The Transport Layer's Good, Better, & Best
Are your global SIP calls transmitted securely? To find out, check how your calls are being transported. There are three common protocols used in SIP: UDP, TCP, and TLS. Each protocol has a use-case, which don't always include security as a priority. Let’s take a deeper look at the differences between these three SIP protocols.
User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
UDP, or user datagram protocol, is the default layer for VoIP applications because of its excellent delivery speeds. This protocol provides only the essentials needed to transport voice and media messages, rapidly and efficiently moving these packets between hosts. UDP is good for speed and efficiency.
How Does UDP Work?
- Gathers data, adding unique header information to the packet. Data consists of origination and termination ports, packet length, and checksum.
- UDP packets (datagrams) are condensed into IP packets and moved to their destination.
Transport Control Protocol (TCP)
TCP, or transport control protocol, provides users with reliable voice and messaging delivery across the Internet. This protocol is responsible for delivering the packets in a specific order, regardless of how long it takes. TCP is great for reliable packet delivery.
How Does TCP Work?
Configuring TCP uses a three-way handshake between the client and a server. It’s composed of three messages that enable endpoints to synchronize (SYN) and acknowledge (ACK) each connection property, including port addresses.
- The client selects a sequence number (SYN).
- The server selects its own sequence number and acknowledges the clients’ sequence number (SYN/ACK).
- The client acknowledges the server’s number (ACK).
Transport Layer Security (TLS)
TLS, or transport layer security, protocol is the top and most powerful layer responsible for securing SIP voice and media messages. This protocol uses cryptographic encryption to provide end-to-end security. TLS is best for encryption, authentication, data integrity, and secure SIP trunking in general.
How Does TLS Work?
Like TCP, TLS begins with a handshake:
- The protocol initiates parties to negotiate a shared encrypted key code between the client and server.
- It permits both endpoints to authenticate themselves and verify who they say they are.
- With its own framing mechanism, the protocol inscribes each message with an authentication code to ensure message integrity and authenticity.
The Business Benefits of Secured SIP Trunking
Managing a modern workforce requires secure SIP connections and global connectivity. See why hundreds of enterprises entrust AVOXI as their global SIP trunk provider →
Featured Resource
Telecom Security Toolkit
A set of free resources for detecting and preventing security risks in your communication networks and technology.
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