5 tips to beat business phone fraud

Telstra Business has sent warnings to its customers and issued a list of security tips following an increase in cases of hackers gaining unauthorised access to business phone systems.

Darren Kane, Director, Telstra Corporate Security and Investigation, said private automated branch exchange (PABX) units and voicemail systems were the most common fraud targets.

“Customers have been shocked to suddenly find themselves liable for debts worth tens of thousands of dollars - this is on top of the hassle and disruption to business these attacks can cause.

“While most businesses are aware of the risk of cybersecurity and have taken measures to protect their business, the potential for a security breach of telephone equipment is often not considered.

“As with most equipment, the phone systems people use rely on PINs and passwords; and if they are not up to date or changed regularly, it’s like leaving the key in the door for a thief,” he said.

Telstra’s top 5 security for tips for business

1. Conduct regular security audits of all voicemail, telephone and PABX systems. Cancel or disable features not required, including old voice mailbox accounts.
2. Regularly check both inbound and outbound call records, especially to unusual destinations, and calls made and received at unusual times. Don’t wait for your bill to check calls and costs. Use Online Billing to check call records at any time.
3. Make sure access to phone or PABX systems is strictly limited, controlled and secured. Prepare a contingency plan and be ready to put it into action if a security breach occurs.
4. Treat phone PINs as seriously as any other financial or computer access code. Ban employees from using easy-to-guess PIN numbers and make sure they are secure, not written anywhere and changed regularly.
5. Make sure computer security is up to date. Use firewall rules to block undesirable internet activity and close unused IP ports.