Last weekend hackers were able to hack in to the FEMA phone system to rack up over $ 12,000 worth of phone bills. FEMA is part of Homeland Security, which in 2003 put out a warning about phone system hacking. Most of the calls were calls in to the Middle East including Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, India and Yemen.
The type of hacking done was termed very “old school” and the FBI is currently investigating the matter and added “phone system hacking is usually very difficult to track”.
One of the best ways to protect your business from hackers is by using a call accounting system or software like Tapit Call Accounting Software. Tapit provides detailed reports on all call activity but is also has a fraud component. The Tapit Fraud Alert Module protects your company from a 3 billion dollar problem facing business today. The average fraud price tag is $ 42,000.00 . The Tapit Fraud alert module alarms you when set calling parameters are being breached by sounding an alarm and sending out text messages.
Fortunately for TAX payers the problem was caught by Sprint only after $ 12,000 worth of calls were made. It could have been much worse. The hackers could of placed many more thousands of dollars worth of calls. In most instances, companies do not realize they have hacked until they receive a new phone bill.
.FEMA will ultimately be responsible for the $ 12,000.00 worth of phone bills.
Hacking occurs routinely but rarely makes the news unless it is a high profile hacking such as FEMA. A typical hacking occurs to small and med size companies that can ill afford a $ 12,000 plus phone bill. The US Courts have repeatedly sided with the phone companies in determining who is responsible for paying the hackers phone bill. For one non-profits experience check out the story about Check out the story about 4Help Non Profits. If you would like more information on how to protect your business from telephone hacking, call Telcom & Data at 800-335-0229.