It’s an unfortunate fact of life that company computer systems and websites are increasingly targeted by hackers. With the objective of causing general disruption and disarray, hackers continue to develop ways in which to monitor, infiltrate and manipulate a company’s computer system.
But it’s not computer systems that are targeted by fraudsters today. Unbeknown to many businesses, company telephone systems are also often the target of hackers and the UK is one of the top 5 countries to be affected.
Here we give you an overview of business phone system hacking and how companies can protect themselves against it…
1. What is phone system hacking?
Business phone system hacking is known by wide range of different names:
- Phone hacking
- PBX hacking
- Phreaking
- Toll fraud
- Dial-through fraud
Whichever name is used, however, it basically equates to the same thing. It’s organised and malicious crime that is carried out to generate cash which often then goes on to fund international terrorism.
2. How do hackers access a phone system?
Phone system hackers are highly skilled and experienced telephone engineers who know how to access PBX’s, voicemail and PINS to illegally gain access to office extensions. On accessing a PBX, they will reconfigure the system so they can route their own call traffic through it, essentially re-selling the service to unsuspecting members of the public. Hackers make the most from directing expensive international calls through a company’s PBX as call charges are typically much higher than localised activity.
Hackers are not only skilled at infiltrating business phone systems but are also clever when it comes to choosing the time of day at which to attack. Phreakers can strike at any time but it’s often after hours, at weekends or on public holidays when office phone systems aren’t manned and their illegal activity is likely to go unnoticed for some time.
3. What damage can hackers cause?
If your business telephone system is unfortunately hacked, the first you may know about it is when you receive an astronomical phone bill. Your phone bill could run into the tens of thousands and include illegal calls to almost anywhere in the world.
Your call provider will unfortunately hold you responsible for any calls made from your phone system so it could have a huge impact on your company’s bottom line.
4. How can phone hacking be prevented?
Similarly to security measures that help protect your computer networks and PCs, there are phone hacking prevention solutions available for business telephone systems.
A phone hacking prevention system can usually be bolted onto your existing business telephone system. Designed to automatically monitor your company phone calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with no manual intervention, a system will automatically block illegal and suspicious calls, whilst allowing genuine calls to continue with no disruption.
By the simple setting of user-defined rules, a company can dictate what level of security is enforced depending on the nature of their business. The rules are applied to inbound, outbound and diverted calls, ensuring that all possible routes are covered and that no illegal traffic can get through.
A telephone system hacking prevention solution not only blocks illegal call traffic but also provides protection for the PBX programming port. Authorised personnel only will be able to access the programming port, therefore blocking phreakers and hackers full stop.
Business phones and IT solution specialists, Direct Voice and Data, are experienced in Phone System Hacking Prevention Systems and can provide a solution to protect your business. For more information and for a free no-obligation consultation, contact Direct Voice and Data on 0800 84 999 84 or visit our Website.
