From audio drops to security gaps – don’t ignore firmware updates: They could save your UC setup.
Let’s be honest – how often do we really think about firmware updates on our UC devices?
Whether it’s Yealink, Jabra headset, Grandstream or a Fanvil wireless handset, firmware updates are one of the most important things you can do to keep everything running smoothly and securely.
This applies to all sorts of devices: desk phones, headsets, intercoms, VoIP handsets, and wireless units. It’s not just about fixing bugs – it’s about keeping your whole setup stable, secure and working as it should.
What does firmware even do?
Firmware controls the device, how it runs, how it connects, and how it sounds. Updating firmware can:
- Boost performance and reliability.
- Solve audio problems like crackling, echo or one-way sound.
- Fix registration issues and random dropouts.
- Improve compatibility with platforms like Teams, Zoom, or 3CX.
- Patch known security flaws before attackers can take advantage.
- Add new features and enhanced functionality.
- Strengthen overall system stability.
If you’re facing constant disconnects, voice quality issues or devices not registering, firmware is often the fix. And don’t forget the firewall – it’s just as important. A misconfigured firewall can block devices from registering, receiving audio, or updating properly. Fixing firewall settings alongside pushing the latest firmware often resolves more issues than you’d think.
Why is security a big deal?
Security is now one of the biggest challenges businesses face. Why? Because UC systems are all about connecting different technologies – phones, headsets, apps, cloud platforms – all on different networks. And every one of those access points is a possible target.
If you’re in a BYOD or UCaaS environment, things get even more complex. Now that your data is spread across devices and cloud platforms, the risk of attacks increases. Part of the responsibility for securing that data also lies with your third-party provider. It’s critical to vet their security standards.
Watch out for open APIs and poor access control
Another security risk comes from open APIs, which are great for flexibility but can also open doors to the wrong people if access credentials get stolen. Once a hacker gets in, they can intercept calls, steal data, or hijack services.
Some common risks we see include:
- Content theft – where hackers tap into UC traffic
- DDoS attacks – targeting UC services to overwhelm and crash them
- Service hijacking – where bad actors sell access to your VoIP or UC platform, leading to massive costs
How to stay protected
Here are some basic things every business should be doing to secure their UC systems:
- Granular access control – only give users the access they need.
- Audit trails – log and monitor API usage and user actions.
- Encryption everywhere – both in transit and at rest.
- Strong MFA and passwords – to protect against unauthorized access.
- Security awareness – make sure your team knows how to spot risks and use trusted networks.
And of course, keep your firmware up to date. That one step alone can shut down a lot of potential vulnerabilities before they even become a problem.
Don’t wait until it breaks
At Bluechip, we’ve seen time and time again how issues, whether it’s call quality, disconnections or even security bugs, are fixed instantly after a firmware update. It’s such a small step, but it makes a big impact.
Tools like Yealink YMCS, Grandstream GDMS, and 3CX admin console make it easier than ever to monitor and push firmware updates across all the devices.
Staying ahead of UC security threats takes a mix of smart technology and simple habits. From firmware updates to encryption and proper access management – it all matters.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’re happy to step in and make it easy. Reach out to us at uc@bluechipit.co.nz for any further assistance in the upgrading process and to know more about what these updates mean and how important they are as a first step in the troubleshooting process.