VoIP technology has enhanced the way companies do business by reducing phone costs and increasing efficiency. However, as with any good product, there is always a corresponding issue.
For VoIP, it is the danger of fraud. If you have never heard about VoIP fraud; you may not be aware of how costly it can be and how detrimental to your business.
Understanding VoIP Fraud
As the following article looks at, to protect your business, you must know what is VoIP fraud and how can it be stopped?
VoIP technology uses the internet for making phone calls, which increases the risk of hackers; just as with any other internet product or resource. Hackers can find their way into a business’ VoIP system and make phone calls from that network.
Hackers can charge up hundreds of dollars in phone calls in just a few days. This also ties up the lines on the network so that legitimate calls cannot go through or the system slows down.
This may not sound like a big deal until you understand that this is a business for the hackers. They don’t just make a few phone calls, but they sell the password information to others to give them illegal access to the network. The number of people who can tie up the network greatly increases.
Preventing Hackers
Preventing hackers with malicious intent from accessing the VoIP network is much the same as for any other internet-based activity.
Passwords should be strong and changed every so often. Users should always opt for longer, more complicated passwords that cannot be easily guessed by diligent hackers.
While many passwords are required to be at least 6 or 8 characters in length, experts recommend at least 12 to 15 characters instead.
Use a combination of letters and numbers with one or more special characters to add to the complexity of the password.
You Can Turn to Software
Fraud detection software is another method of protecting the system from hackers. It monitors the system use and provides alerts to any unusual or suspicious activity. Adding a firewall also enhances the level of protection for the system.
SSH encryption prevents unauthorized access to data when it is transferred over VoIP, which can improve confidentiality and lessen the threat of hackers.
When a business is considering moving to VoIP, it needs to look for a provider that offers these features.
Find out if VoIP fraud has been an issue for any of the businesses that are customers of the provider to determine if it is taking the necessary steps to protect its customer base.
At the same time, each business must take responsibility for its own safety from all kinds of fraud, including that which takes place over the VoIP network.
Only through diligent effort and ongoing monitoring can businesses protect themselves from hackers who would access their networks and cost them hundreds and thousands of dollars.
Companies must learn about VoIP fraud, but not let it scare them away from this technology.
Instead, the knowledge should arm them to protect their own networks while utilizing the technology to help the business grow.
About the Author: Joyce Morse is an author who writes on a variety of topics, including finance and technology.
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