What you should know about VoIP hacking

It’s amazing how the development of the internet has made our lives so much easier in many aspects. In particular, communicating with a close friend or relative is very easy with the myriad of tools that the web offers us. One of the most amazing technologies at everybody’s disposal is the use of virtual phone numbers, commonly known as VoIP. 

This protocol — which powers applications like Skype — is incredibly useful for making long distance and international communication fast, low-cost and reliable. However, like every internet-based tool, you need to know how to use it properly and prevent people from using it against your will.

Hacking has become known as an illegal activity made by masked, hooded criminals in dark rooms that steal money from people or banks. However, many companies and services recognize the need to test their software against security vulnerabilities. This has given birth to the field of ethical hacking and cybersecurity, where tests are made to make sure that a service is safe. However, hacking done by an individual or groups for personal gains is still a threat that must be considered in every web service.

What is VoIP hacking? 

Hacking a VoIP number consists of an unauthorized person gaining access to the number’s system. This allows the hacker to listen to all communications made by the number, the services that depend on it and any data that may be transferred with it, including sensitive information. A hacker with access to a VoIP number may also make calls that rack up expenses. These hacks can be severe enough to make a firm go bankrupt. A hacker could also pretend that he is a member of your organization to make fraudulent activities like phishing.

How can you tell if your VoIP number is under attack?

There are some tell-tale signs that you should look out for if you suspect that your number may be compromised:

• If there are incoming and outgoing calls in your history that you don’t remember, it may be an indication that someone is making phone calls without your knowledge. 
• Microphones and webcams acting strange. These devices are necessary for making voice and video calls. If you find that they are not behaving correctly by turning on or recording without any input, then someone may be controlling them from the internet without your consent. 
• Your bills are skyrocketing. VoIP services are notoriously affordable, so an extreme number in your bill indicates a high amount of calls. If this is the case, you should definitely scrutinize your call history, as previously mentioned.
• Antivirus messages suddenly popping up. Usually, when an antivirus detects activity that is strange to your device, it will send you a warning. Unauthorized activity from scammers and hackers from the internet may trigger the alarm. If these messages appear too often, you may have to think about the possibility of your device being under attack.

How can you prevent your VoIP number from being hacked?

Despite the many signs of alert that you must stay aware of, you should keep in mind that the best way to prevent this sort of attacks that may cause you any harm is to keep them from happening altogether. VoIP is a reliable technology that — when implemented correctly — is very secure. That’s why it’s important to choose the right VoIP provider. 

On the other hand, there are quite a few measures that you can take to protect your VoIP numbers:

• Take care of who has access to your VoIP. Somewhat surprisingly, quite a large amount of cyberattacks lack from a technological component. Hackers and scammers can get access to sensitive information like passwords by tricking any employee into giving it to them. A single fooled or bribed person is all it takes to give hackers an opportunity to attack your system.
• If you or your team works remotely, use a VPN or a proxy. Data passed in the internet may be unencrypted, which means it’s vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. A good VPN or proxy eliminates this problem by allowing your connection between you and your service to be secure.
• Check your network every once and then. Make sure that you change your passwords regularly and update any software that you need. If you have a big system, it would also be a good idea to bring an ethical hacker to perform tests on your network.
• Use two factor authentications. It consists of using an extra security layer to your authentication process. A security factor can be something that you know (a strong password or secret question), something that you have (your cell phone) or something that you are (like using your face for recognition). The ideal security uses at least two of these factors.
• Get a trustworthy VoIP provider. As previously mentioned, a good provider must also do its part to keep your number from being compromised, plus be certified and use up to date software. No matter how strong your preventive measures are, if you’re using a low-quality service, it’s only a matter of time before any security breaches on your system is abused. 

If you’re looking for a recommendation, you should start with VerifyWithSMS. LTD company, it stands out for offering sms phone verification that come from real telephone service providers.

Without a doubt, this service is easy, cheap and trustworthy. Security is an overwhelming issue to consider, given that a single failure may lead to big consequences. However, if you do your own part to protect yourself or your team and use a reliable service like VerifyWithSMS, then you surely won’t have anything to worry about.

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