If your organization operates in a remote or hybrid work environment, you may rely on Unified Communication (UC) tools for employees to communicate and collaborate while working in separate locations.
However, if these Unified Communication platforms and architecture are not secured properly, it can lead to cyberattacks and data breaches that steal sensitive business information.
To avoid these challenges, it is important to understand the ways that organizations can secure its Unified Communication (UC) architecture. This will help avoid cyberattacks that steal sensitive business information and documents.
Coeo understands how important reliable and secure communication and collaboration are in a remote or hybrid work environment.
We have delivered thousands of UC and security solutions to improve and secure communication and collaboration for our customers.
By the end of this article, you will understand what Unified Communication is, the ways to secure this architecture, and which security solution or service is most appropriate for your organization.
What is Unified Communication (UC)?
Unified Communication (UC) is the integration of multiple enterprise communication tools such as voice calling, video conferencing, instant messaging, and content sharing in a single streamlined interface.
UC is designed to improve overall collaboration and productivity for employees.
UC technology enables users to seamlessly switch from one mode of communication to another in the same session. In addition to this, it also allows you to switch between devices such as laptops, desktops, phones, and tablets.
An example of this might be someone initiating a conversation via instant messaging before switching to a video conference without having to close one application and open another.
In addition, many UC services also integrate with third-party business applications such as project management software, enabling more efficient workflow and centralized information and resources.
The ways to secure Unified Communications architecture
While Unified Communications can help organizations improve internal communication and collaboration, it can also be difficult to secure this voice network if you have remote and hybrid employees.
To avoid these issues, it is important to understand the ways you can secure your Unified Communications architecture. Some of the ways to accomplish this include:
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
VDI platforms securely transport voice and data traffic across the internet using encrypted tunnels that are transparent to the end user. This helps secure the traffic while also avoiding any latency due to slowed traffic.
Additionally, since VDIs are self-contained, any concerns about using personal devices such as phones and tablets to access UC platforms are eliminated.
Implement Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) with micro segmentation
Another way to secure Unified Communications architecture is to implement Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) with micro segmentation. ZTNA is a security method that requires verification from anyone looking to access resources on a network.
This method is a solution that fixes some of the shortcomings of the perimeter-based network security model and protects UC services such as SBCs from being exposed on the internet.
ZTNA ensures that access to UC platforms and applications is strictly based on user and device verification and continuous validation. This means that all devices accessing UC platforms and applications must be verified and validated.
While it may be tedious to have to validate every phone and tablet that is used to access UC applications and services, it may be in the best interest of your organization to do so to avoid cyberattacks.
Micro segmentation separates and segments traffic and provides specific security based on network policies. This is used to prevent traffic from entering locations that may not be properly secured.
Using micro segmentation in UC architecture enables organizations to restrict lateral communications in the DMZ and data centers.
Implement a SASE solution
SASE is a cybersecurity network offered by third-party SASE providers that combines an SD-WAN solution with enhanced security.
Combining SD-WAN and enhanced security provides organizations with better network connectivity as well as network security in one cloud-based solution.
SASE identifies users and devices in the network and applies policy-based security rules, resulting in secure access to data regardless of where users are connecting from or what devices they are using.
Since SASE solutions are installed on the user's devices, they provide constant security across a network, no matter where the network is accessed. This enables the solution to secure UC architecture while avoiding excess latency.
If you would like to speak with our team to learn more about Unified Communications and how to secure the platform architecture, or ask any questions you may have, you can schedule an appointment.
Which solution is best for your organization to secure its UC architecture?
Now you understand what Unified Communications is and the different ways you can secure the architecture. However, it is important that your organization understands which of these security solutions is best for your organization.
If you are only looking for a way to secure applications and do not need to implement broader network security, VDI may be the right solution for your organization.
However, if your organization would benefit from a solution that verifies every access request to applications and connections before access is granted, ZTNA may be best to provide secure access to applications from anywhere on any device.
Lastly, if your organization needs a completely cloud-delivered network security solution that improves network security and performance across your entire network, SASE may be the best solution for your organization.
Determining which security solution is best for your organization
Now you understand what Unified Communications is, the ways to secure your Unified Communications architecture, and which security solution is best to secure your organization’s UC architecture.
This will help you understand what Unified Communications is and the importance of securing your UC architecture to avoid cyberattacks such as toll fraud and data breaches.
No remote or hybrid working organization can operate efficiently without having a reliable way for employees in remote locations to communicate.
If your organization operates in a remote or hybrid work environment and does not have a reliable way for employees to communicate and collaborate, it will decrease overall productivity and efficiency.
To avoid these challenges, it is important to understand what Unified Communications is and how to secure the architecture.
Coeo understands how important reliable employee communication and collaboration are to an organization working in a remote or hybrid work environment and has delivered thousands of unified communications and security solutions to help improve employee communication and collaboration.
If you would like to speak with our team to learn more about Unified Communications and how to secure the platform architecture, or ask any questions you may have, you can schedule an appointment.
Now that you understand what Unified Communications is and how to secure it, check out this article to learn about Coeo’s UCaaS solution and whether it might be beneficial for your organization:
