PBX Fraud
This is the most prevalent type of fraud and the most significant threat to businesses that use a standard or IP PBX (Private Branch Exchange) phone system or voice mail. Hackers can gain access to your phone system and place long distance, operator and/or 10XXX calls directly from your lines. Access to your system is most commonly gained through voice mail menus protected with only simple passwords (1111, 2222, 1234, etc.) or unchanged factory default passwords. Access is gained on IP PBX’s through open ports (most commonly port 5060). Once inside your system, hackers use the system commands to gain dial tone and place calls that appear no different to your service or equipment provider than any other call originating from your business. In some cases these calls can bypass your call logging, making them invisible to you. Having a good password management and IP security policy and practice is a strong start towards protection.
Have questions on how to protect your telephone system? Give us a call at 416-410-8085