Where Phone System Hackers Hide

Some phone systems are utilizing a feature, called the dial-by-name directory, which hackers can take advantage of by obtaining valuable information in it. This telephony feature usually works in conjunction with a voicemail system by providing callers a categorized menu when connecting to the proper contact or department.

Callers can easily access this directory feature by pressing “0” on their telephone keypad. Most companies’ assign this number by default and it is usually configured to be accessed after dialing the main phone number or after the voice mail box has activated. Phone hackers carry out their attack after office hours to be sure no one answers the call they will make.
 

Hackers are not hackers if they are not capable of protecting their identities. To conceal their location or identity a phone system hacker usually hides behind the following:

• Business Phones – with the use of the phone system’s manual or user guide an attacker can easily spoof the system by entering the default administrator password which is usually not changed. Once in, the hacker can easily use the system as a platform for attacking other system.
• Residential Phones – a caller ID can easily reveal who the calling party is. Phone attackers can trick the phone system by entering the code *67 before dialing the number they will call. It is a code for hiding the phone number they used for calling. Unfortunately, this technique does not work when calling toll free phone numbers or N-1-1 codes like 911.
• VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) Servers – open-source PBX software, like Asterisk, can be utilized and configured to hide any attackers’ identity by using any number they want.

Better Call Handling and Management

A phone call is a very valuable communication event for every business. In fact, a phone call is as important as the products or services a company offers because it is a source for information, inquiries or orders.

Some companies are even taking advantage of putting up multiple phone lines to ensure that no calls will be missed. But this setup does not guarantee every caller to always reach the business without hearing a busy signal especially if some callers are engaged in lengthy phone calls. As a matter of fact the use of too many lines is also a waste of money.

Fortunately, there are ideal phone systems that provide powerful and efficient call management tools that will also eliminate the requirement for multiple telephone lines:

Auto-Attendant – provides a voice menu system that assists a caller in reaching the proper extension or contact. Some auto attendant system even allows a caller to reach a human operator by pressing a certain key.

Call Forwarding – responsible for the call management and the rerouting of calls to the proper extension or contact. It works in conjunction with the auto attendant feature.

Music/Message On Hold – catches the attention of callers, on wait, by playing music or messages. Some companies take advantage of this feature by employing it as a marketing tool.

Virtual Extensions – eliminated the need for multiple phone lines by assigning existing phone numbers as extensions to the main business number.

Voicemail – allows a caller to leave a message which can be retrieved later via phone, desktop PC or an online account.

Why waste money and resources when a single number, coupled with powerful tools, can provide better call handling and management.