How to Protect Your Company from Phone Hacking Scams

Phone hacking scams are on the rise, targeting individuals and businesses alike. Hackers use various tactics to steal personal information, access bank accounts, and compromise sensitive data through mobile devices. With that in mind, we’ll cover what phone hacking scams are, how they operate, and what steps you can take to protect yourself and your organization from these threats. Learn how to spot red flags and secure your devices against potential breaches, so you can stay one step ahead of scammers.

With most businesses powering their phones through the internet (VoIP), hackers have new access to systems. In this case, the phone hacking scams that criminals are using involves international premium-rate lines, cutting deals to make up to a quarter per minute on charges that can reach $100,000 or more.

Many businesses don’t realize their phones have been hacked unless the bill is unusually high, like $100k. Often, phone companies miss the fraud for days or weeks.

While this may sound scary, and it can be, hackers mostly target small business. The New York Times reports that these scams cost victims $4.73 billion globally last year. With that in mind, it’s important to keep an eye out for any of the current phone hacking scams that are happing now.

What Are Phone Hacking Scams?

Phone hacking scams involve cybercriminals gaining unauthorized access to smartphones. They aim to steal sensitive data, including personal, financial, and login information. Scammers use methods like phishing messages, fake apps, spyware, and SIM swapping to infiltrate devices. Once they access a phone, they may exploit stored data or compromise apps to target more victims. Recognizing common hacking signs and adopting strong security practices, like using two-factor authentication, can help protect against these scams.

How Phones are Hacked

Many businesses don’t monitor their phone systems, making them vulnerable. Often, companies adopt a “set it and forget it” mindset. As most business phone lines move to the internet, this approach must change.

Hackers take advantage of lax security as well as confusing and nonexistent international regulations for phone communication. Instead of hacking trunk lines, hackers break into PBXs (private branch exchanges). Once they have access they can use all available lines to dial international premium-rate numbers, racking up major charges.

How to Stop Phone Hacking Scams

The first and easiest step to avoid hackers racking up phone charges on your business line is to write a letter to your phone service provider.

Tell them your estimated amount of expenditure and minutes dialed, both daily and monthly. Inform them that the letter is a security measure and that you do not authorize any charges beyond what is detailed in the letter.

Make sure to specifically call out common services involved in a phone hacking scam and state that you do not want them used in any circumstances, including:

• premium rate numbers and text messages
• reverse charge calls (consider including a dollar per minute limit)
• data roaming charges

Request a letter of receipt and acknowledgement, and save all documentation.

Fraud Detection Software

Fraud detection software works by detecting sudden increases in call traffic and blacklisting abnormal numbers. They actually suspend suspicious numbers and will not dial as requested by the hacker. This software is sold by a variety of vendors.

Best Practices for VoIP

Some of the best VoIP security practices include turning off unused protocols, separating VoIP networks from other infrastructure, authenticating remote terminals with unique usernames, passwords, and/or two-factor authentication, and monitoring communication ports.

Kelley Create can help empower your IT team with the tools and knowledge to keep your VoIP system safe – or we can help monitor it for you.

Expert Protection From Phone Hacking Scams

Protecting against phone hacking scams is crucial to securing your sensitive information. Staying informed about the latest tactics and actively implementing safeguards can help you stay a step ahead of scammers. For expert guidance on defending against these threats, reach out to our team.

We’re here to help you identify vulnerabilities, implement robust protections, and ensure your digital safety. Don’t leave your phone’s security to chance—contact us today to learn more about protecting yourself and your business from phone hacking scams.