COMMUNICATION TOOLS
TDoS Attacks A reliable telephony system for any business, large or small, is vital. Once you’ve invested in a good system, perhaps extended it to integrate software, platforms or contact centres, it can all go very wrong if you have a TDoS attack. Telephony Denial of Service (TDoS) attacks take many shapes, but all end up with the same result – the system is overwhelmed, disrupted and “kaput”.
UC Advanced caught up with Ram Ramanathan, Senior Director, Product Management at Ribbon Communications, to get some insights on this not-so-nice phenomenon. Businesses of any size simply cannot afford a TDoS attack, especially small businesses, and we asked Ram to share his knowledge and offer some advice. Overwhelming Networks Ram stated, “TDoS attacks overwhelm communications networks and make it difficult for legitimate calls to get through, which can lead to lost revenue or lost business opportunities. In addition, SMBs can spend a large portion of their budget to restore services and manage operations during a TDoS attack. In the US, according to the US Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), some organisations can experience up to 12 TDoS attacks per day!” Business Awareness While awareness of these attacks is growing among SMBs, many still lack comprehensive measures to mitigate these threats, yet enhanced awareness and preparedness are crucial for minimising the impact of these attacks on business continuity and public safety in cases when emergency call centres such as Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) are targeted and have their operations disrupted. Prevention Solutions Ram advised, “Investing in TDoS prevention solutions, despite the initial costs, updates, maintenance, and staff training, proves to be a strategic decision with substantial long-term benefits. These benefits start with ensuring uninterrupted operational continuity, which is crucial for maintaining consistent service delivery and customer satisfaction. By
preventing service disruptions, businesses can avoid significant financial losses that arise from halted operations, lost sales, and potential fines due to non-compliance with service level agreements. Moreover, these solutions offer an enhanced security framework that protects sensitive customer data from malicious attacks, thereby fostering trust and loyalty among clients. This protection is vital in an era where data breaches can severely damage a company’s reputation and lead to costly legal repercussions. Additionally, by maintaining a robust security posture, businesses can uphold a positive brand image, which is essential for attracting and retaining customers in a competitive market. Finally, the investment in TDoS prevention solutions demonstrates a proactive approach to risk management, showcasing the company’s commitment to safeguarding its assets and ensuring business resilience.” Hybrid Vulnerability Ram continued, “Hybrid organisations, which combine in-office and remote work, are generally more vulnerable to Telephony Denial of Service (TDoS) attacks compared to fully in-office ones. This increased vulnerability arises from the expanded attack surface that hybrid work environments present. With employees accessing corporate networks from various locations and devices, the potential entry points for attackers multiply. Remote access services, often essential in hybrid setups, can be exploited if not adequately secured. Moreover, hybrid work models often rely heavily on cloud-based services and virtual private networks (VPNs), which can be targeted by attackers to disrupt communications. The complexity of managing security across diverse environments makes it challenging to maintain consistent security
Ram Ramanathan Senior Director. Product Management
ribbon communications.com
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