Many businesses are turning to Voice over IP (VOIP) to reduce overhead. Just like many other technologies VOIP (or any other phone system) adds additional risk to your business that you may not be aware of. Phone systems today (as they have been for a while) are just computer systems and must to be considered in the overall security strategy of your business. Left out, their software becomes outdated, passwords become stale, and the potential for loss increases.

Consider the following example where a 4 digit password protected the phone system from outside attackers. How would your business react to a $52,000 phone bill (plus the lost time dealing with the phone company).

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/hacker_makes_costly_calls.html

Remember:

• Change your voice mail password just as often (or more often because it is shorter) than your computer passwords.
• Check for firmware and software updates for your telecommunications equipment just like you do for your computer systems.
• Review the agreement between you and your VOIP / Telco provider to ensure that charges can be disputed should your system be compromised.
• Have your system audited by professional as part of your yearly system maintenance.