Security is usually a hot button topic related to computers and data centers, but VoIP is just as vulnerable to attack as any other IP communications medium. Fraud in the VoIP industry is, unfortunately, something that often goes unnoticed and usually does a significant amount of damage before anyone has realized damage is done.
Business VoIP fraud is a very real potential problem for any company and can be destructive. While protection from business VoIP fraud has improved significantly through the years, hackers are still at large and they are constantly coming up with new schemes and angles to break-in and wreak havoc. That is why it is up to businesses and enterprises to protect their VoIP borders in addition to their data networks.
Business VoIP is especially susceptible to fraud because of its inherent relationship to high-speed Internet connections. The Internet offers hackers both an easier point of entry than a traditional landline based phone as well as the possibility to sell more minutes.
There are some best practices that organizations can implement to avoid business VoIP fraud, including ensuring that all manufacturer default passwords for system administration are changed promptly, using lengthy and complex alphanumeric passwords. In addition to secure passwords, organizations should set and enforce standards for complex passwords for voice message mailboxes. Require period password resets for these mailboxes. Regularly check for default passwords in end-user mailboxes. If there are old employee logins, they should be removed immediately.
A report on TMCnet recently highlighted business VoIP fraud, saying that most businesses are unaware of their compromised VoIP lines until it is too late.
Toll fraud has long been a crime that enterprises have needed to watch out for and, unfortunately, using a VoIP system doesn't mean they can let their guard down. VoIP is a complex technology and this complexity can lead to all types of vulnerabilities, however taking the proper precautions and using a few simple solutions will ensure that business VoIP fraud is nothing but a concern, not a reality.
Edited by Rachel Ramsey