When most people think of hacking, they think of phishing emails and computer hijacking. Very few people consider that their phone systems could be hacked. However, VoIP hacking is possible and fairly common, so it’s important to be able to identify the most common signs of a hacked VoIP system. The more quickly you can identify these signs, the sooner you can notify your managed IT services provider and save your company time, money, and vital data.
Sudden Increase in Bills
When hackers get into a VoIP system, they’ll likely begin to make calls to premium-rate phone numbers using your line. This results in a significant increase in your monthly phone bills. If you haven’t added any new phone lines or numbers, then your bill should stay about the same month-to-month. If you notice a sudden rise in your bill, alert your phone provider as it’s likely that someone has hacked your system and is making unauthorized calls.
Antivirus Pop-ups
Another sign of a VoIP hack is if your employees suddenly receive pop-ups for antivirus software on their computers. Since VoIP uses your Internet network to connect to devices, hackers utilize this to create phishing notifications on a corporate computer when the VoIP system is on. If one of these antivirus pop-ups appears, warn employees to never click on it. Notify your managed IT services provider, C3 Tech, and we will shut down the network to scan for any malware.
Irregular Call History
Similarly to an increased phone bill, another sign of VoIP system hacking is an irregular call history. If you suspect that your VoIP system has been hacked, you can ask your IT service provider for a call history report. Identifying any unknown numbers or suspicious locations will help you reveal the hacked devices. However, you’ll likely need confirmation through another indicator such as increased phone bills or suspicious computer activity.
Webcams Turn On Automatically
One suspicious computer activity that can be a sign of a hacked VoIP system is webcams or microphones turning on automatically. This is commonly associated with computer hacking, but it can indicate VoIP hacking as well. Hackers listen in on phone calls or conference calls by illegally accessing these devices in order to obtain sensitive or confidential business information. If you notice that your webcam or microphone is acting strangely, it’s always wise to notify you managed IT services provider and allow them to check your system for hacking.
To ensure that your employees and your company data stay protected, it’s imperative that you implement managed IT services that can protect you against hacking of all types. C3 Tech’s managed IT services come with 24/7 network monitoring and emergency response services that never cost more than your monthly flat-rate fee. Part of what makes C3 Tech’s IT services so exceptional is that we are always available to you, regardless of the time of day or day of the week. For VoIP services and managed IT services that you can trust, get started with C3 Tech. Give us a call today at (714) 689-1700 to speak with one of our specialists about which services are best for your Southern California business.
