It is estimated that telephone system (PBX) hacking / phreaking / toll fraud is now a global criminal business, with £1.2 billion being charged to UK companies in unexpected phone calls.
PBX dial through fraud is conducted by criminals who hack into a phone system – usually at night and weekends so as to minimise detection – who then run up vast charges against the exchange line accounts of the innocent owners of the phone system. Websites exist that are dedicated to phone system hacking, not just fun for computer geeks, but a guide for organised criminal gangs.
In our experience, once you have been made the victim of hacking, all these organisations will be unsympathetic to your position:
In simple terms, you are left with a huge bill and no option other than to pay it immediately or be cut off.
The most frequent way for criminals to gain access to your system is through the voicemail. Once access has been gained, your number will be given out to multiple sources, from where hundreds if not thousands of premium rate calls will be made.
5 Key ways to minimise voicemail risks:
Other common sense ways to minimise risks:
The Optimal Security Measure: Voice Firewall
The ‘Belts and braces’ security measure is to install a Voice Firewall. This tool essentially sits between your phone system and the line box, and blocks any unauthorised calls as specified by you. Such as all international calls, calls lasting more than 5 minutes after 6pm, all premium rate calls, etc.
Voice Firewalls have dropped in price dramatically in the last few years as the demand for them has increased.
If you would like to discuss your own system in more detail, or would like to see a PDF describing the Voice Firewall functionality, please click here: info@tridentvoice.co.uk