How to Protect Your Phone System from Being Hacked
When you hear the word hacking, you may think of a computer or software hacking. Unfortunately, hacking does not just apply to a computer or software. It can also occur with your telephone system.
Telephone Systems are susceptible to being hacked as well. This might come as a surprise to most, but phone hacking is just another piece of our everyday life that we must be concerned about. Especially in today’s technology-led world.
One way hackers can gain access to your telephone system is through your automated attendant or voicemail system. Hackers search for mailboxes that have no password, easily-guessed combinations or default passwords. They then use your telephone number to make toll calls across the world. These calls typically rack up thousands of dollars in charges before you even realize your phone system has been hacked.
What makes the matter worse for many companies is that providers tend to hold you liable for these charges.
The Communications Fraud Control Association reports that toll fraud costs companies an estimated $4.73 billion each year.
Steps to Prevent Telephone System Hacking
There are several ways your business can protect their communications:
- Require a PIN code to place international calls
- If you company does not call internationally, have the service provide block international calling
- Avoid using predictable voicemail security codes like 1234 or 0000
- Disable outbound calling from voicemail
- Disable 011 from the telephone system
- Remove all unused mailboxes and extensions
- As employees leave your company, remove their mailbox and access to the system
For more information on telephone system hacking, click here.