Phreaking -VoIP Security Threat 

What Is A Phreak Attack?

The words "phone" and "freak" combine to coin the term "phreak" to describe a phone hacker. The phreak tries to break into your telephone network with the intention of listening to your conversations or making costly calls at your expense.

In other words, phreaking is a security threat to phone network and can do lots of damage to you.

Why VoIP Is More Vulnerable to Phreak Attacks

Phreaking is not something new. For years the traditional phone lines have been victims of this illegal activity. However, over the years, the phone lines have got smart. They have tightened the security around their communication networks and made it difficult, if not impossible, for the hackers to penetrate them.

On the other hand the VoIP telephone technology which is comparatively a new kid on the block often provides opportunities to the hackers to get into them and do their nefarious work. The reason is that VoIP works on internet and is vulnerable to the same security threats that internet is prone to.

So if your VoIP service has some security loophole, a phreaker can not only make calls at your expense but also can spy on you and learn about your personal financial information if you give it out while using your phone.

What can result from such attack can be easily imagined. Somebody can take over your identity and do immeasurable financial and other kind of damage as well as commit acts for which you could be blamed. If you are using VoIP service for your business, a phreaking intrusion can result in your business secrets being passed to your competitors.

How Real Is Phreak Threat?

Phreak attack is like an auto accident.

You don't expect to smash your car every time you drive out. But deep down you know that such a thing can happen with you. That's why you take precautions while driving and also take out auto insurance.

In the same way, while all VoIP phones are not attacked, any phone can be a victim. So like taking auto insurance, it pays to be aware of the threat and do what you can about it to guard yourself.

So What Can You To Guard Against Phreaking?

Before registering with a VoIP service, shop around. Look at various VoIP service providers. See what security measures are built into their services. Visit VoIP forums where members talk about their experience with different VoIP services. If a friend or a business associate is using a VoIP phone, learn if they are experiencing any problems.

And once you start using a VoIP service, check your billing statements with care. Unusually high calling charges or calls made to unknown numbers or destinations should raise a warning flag that somebody could be making calls at your expense.

If you find any such suspicious or unexplained items on your bill, promptly get into touch with your service provider for an explanation and redressing.

All these precautions would go a long way to keep safe when you are using VoIP telephones. Last but not the least, learn about VoIP security. Being aware of possible dangers is the first step towards guarding against them.                

 

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