Telephone hacking is a fraudulent attempt by a hacker to gain unlawful remote access to a phone system. Attacks are often highly organised from an automated server and once accessed, fraudulent calls are connected and over a period of time run up call charges to the cost of potentially thousands. Typically these attacks will occur during out of office hours and are usually discovered after the event when it’s too late.
Telephone fraud
Typically these attacks will occur during out of office hours and are usually discovered after the event when it’s too late. The UK is the third most targeted country for telephone hacking, costing £1.52bn each year. As a threat that most businesses do not truly understand it leaves many vulnerable and defenseless against an attack. Business affected by a fraudulent attack are left to cover the cost themselves which on average can cost up to £12,500.
Update your telephone system to include ‘In Guard’ protection against telephone fraud and your call activity will be monitored 24/7 all year round. Any suspicious activity is detected instantly and automatic alerts are put in place to both alert you by email or alert and block the call – preventing any further activity. Restrictions can easily be removed by response to the email alert if the call information is genuine.
The system can be set up based around your business specific call patterns e.g. office hours, public holidays, length of call, excessive calls rates. From these parameters a set of rules are created – and if a rule is broken, an alert is sent. Not only does this detect telephone fraud but it can also be a deterrent to internal abuse of the phone system. You can make amendments to your rule settings at any time as well as remotely via a browser.
Think your business doesn’t need protection? 84% of businesses in the UK are considered vulnerable to these attacks. Most networks and office phone systems have only the basic toll restriction features, which may not give you the protection you require.
