Everything You Need to Know About VoIP Hacking
nA report by Cybersecurityventures suggests that there will be a whopping 3.5 million job openings for cyber security specialists by the end of 2021 in the US alone. Hacking is becoming a major concern in today’s digitized world. Another report by Statista suggests that nearly 71% of Americans’ biggest fear is about their credit card and financial information getting hacked.
Technology is a double-edged sword. It has its benefits and drawbacks. VoIP which has become the preferred business suite over the last two decades is prone to get hacked too despite so many benefits and in-built security features.
In this article we will understand:
- What exactly is VoIP hacking?
- Types of VoIP hacking
- Measures to prevent your VoIP system from getting hacked
But first, let us understand the term “hacking”. In the pre-internet world, bank and showroom robberies were considered a major security threat plotted by hooded criminals. Cut to the present times when everything like money transfer, file storing, e-signatures are done online to seal deals. In this world, hacking has emerged as a crime of the modern digitally connected world.
When we think about hacking, we imagine masked men sitting in dark rooms on a computer in some underground cell illegally accessing people’s bank account and confidential business documents stored online to steal money and confidential data for their personal gain.
However, as more and more companies started implementing and using software for their day-to-day functions, they soon recognized the importance of getting their software tested for any possible security vulnerabilities. “Ethical hacking and cybersecurity” came on the scene to address this pressing need. Ethical hackers essentially did tests and simulated hacking to make sure that all systems are safe and protected from any vulnerabilities. But individuals or groups of hackers still pose a potential threat to the online and digital world as they continue to hack for personal gains.
Table of Contents
What is VoIP hacking?
Business VoIP systems work on the internet which makes them suspectable to hacking. VoIP hacking refers to an event where unauthorized personnel infiltrates your business phone system. By doing so the hacker can cause significant damage to the business as they are able to:
- Listen to your calls
- Make calls using your VoIP system resulting in a surge in telephone bills
- Steal confidential and sensitive information from you and your business partners.
- Steal customer data like email, phone details, and other personal information.
How do these hacks take place?
Hackers mainly target customer service centers (call centers) and Network Operations Centers. They pose as a customer or as someone seeking assistance. They then ask the attending executive several questions and they may, without their knowledge, give unauthorized access to the hacker during a long call and take control of your business VoIP phone system.
