It seems that some hackers have a new target: VoIP call centers. Many call centers have been targeted by hackers looking to get their confidential information, which has lead to a greater need for security and fraud detection.

According to The Aite Group and Gartner (News - Alert) Fraud Analyst Avivah Litan, there has been an upswing in the amount of fraud-related incidents in next-generation call centers, which are being targeted for their key customer information. A well-aimed cyberattack could give away a vast amount of customer information, including phone numbers, addresses, even social security and tax information.

Needless to say, losing that information could prove disastrous for the call centers and customers alike, putting them at risk of identity theft. As such, the call centers are upping security, in order to keep that vital information safe.

Some are adding new security procedures, while others are adding new fraud detection solutions. TransNexus, for instance, has solutions designed for fraud detection; it considers VoIP fraud to be “the use of a VoIP telecommunications network with the intention of avoiding payment,” including call transfer fraud, false answer supervision, and more.

VoIP fraud can cost individuals hundreds of thousands of dollars, and cost the providers even more. Stolen customer information, on the other hand, can cost multiple customers everything they’re worth, if the hackers use the information to steal their identities, or worse.

This is not to say that all VoIP call centers are at risk, or to not be trusted. Rather, it is a call to arms for providers, so that they can take steps to provide security and safety for the vital information they store. The safety of their customers and customer information must be the top priority, and the more they’re targeted, the more they must prepare to stay safe against it.