PBX Telephony Hacking Toll Fraud

The PBX or (Private Branch Exchange) manages your internal phones & extensions network, the PBX provides access to the phone service by dialing into the system from outside of the Private Branch Exchange network. PBX fraud can be described as, if an outside third party makes long duration toll calls at the cost of your business. Hackers are able to gain the necessary level authorization to the businesses PBX, the third party is usually able to profit from the calls being made, as they are able to make calls at the expense of your business, in some cases premium rate numbers. This leaves your business liable for the payment.

PBX Telephony Toll Fraud – The Facts

An alarming number of businesses have seen an increase in the number of PBX fraud/ hacking. This type of activity has been around & growing for the past 15-25 years, however businesses who fail to protect themselves from PBX hacking. (Direct Inwards System Access) allows users to route international and national calls through the Private Branch Exchange with the cost of the calls being billed to the owner of the PBX & not the user/ hacker.

Steps To Take To Prevent PBX Hacking Toll Fraud

✓ If you do not call internationally, your comms provider can place a restriction on the line.

✓ Analyse your bills frequently & ensure your business is able to account for itemized calls.

✓ Crosscheck calls to international countries & ensure they are to countries you recognize.

✓ Look for phone calls that might be being made outside of normal business hours.

✓ Use strong passwords for your voicemail systems, change them regularly.

✓ Change all default passwords immediately.no-image

✓ Review call logging and call reporting.

✓ Look out for suspect call traffic.

When Are You Most Vulnerable?

Telephony fraud/ toll fraud is most likely to occur when your organisation is most vulnerable, for example it can happen during bank holidays, when your business is closed, on the weekend & early hours of the morning. During these times be sure that your business remains vigilant, to prevent any fraudulent activities arising.

Learn More On How To Protect Your Business

Speak to an in house account manager to learn how to protect your business against toll fraud, we are experts in the field of Unified Communications & Telecommunications, give us a call on 03333 66 33 33.