Verizon is urging customers who use voicemail and PBXs to use secure passwords to keep hackers out.
The company's warning, including a voice mail message sent from Verizon to its consumer and business voice mail customers, is in response to growing industry concern about hackers who illegally access home or business phone systems. Hackers use unauthorized access for free long-distance and services.
"Verizon is aware that hackers attempt to access voicemail and use PBXs by trying simple passwords," said John Lewandowski, a security manager for the company.
"Voice mail hackers currently operating out of the Far East and elsewhere are believed to be responsible for huge long-distance bills charged to U.S. home phone lines, businesses and government agencies," Lewandowski said.
Here are a few tips:
Change you temporary password! (and not to one which includes the last four digits of your telephone number, your date of birth, digits that spell your last name or other obvious combinations)
Change your password often.
If you have multiple mailboxes- use multiple passwords.
Delete all inactive mailboxes.
Block collect-call options on PBX systems.
Block or limit access to international calls.
If you have a PBX system that allows callers to transfer to other extensions, block all digits that callers could use to access outside lines.
Restrict the number of log-on attempts.
In the event that someone gains entry to your voice mailbox or PBX system, change the password immediately. Then notify the provider of your voice mail system or telecommunications equipment as soon as possible.
In short, today's PBX is feature rich. This means you've got a lot of flexibility to protect your business, and hackers have a lot of flexibility to exploit it. Erring on the side of safety wouldn't be a bad thing.
