VOIP hackers hit Oz businesses

SC Magazine.

The police say three businesses have reported their VOIP networks hacked by scammers using the networks to make international calls offering premium voice services; often owned by the attacker.

In total, the three businesses were set to have suffered losses of some $70 000 from the attacks.

ComputerWorld says phone hacking, also known as 'phone phreaking', allows hackers to access the VOIP business exchange networks.

Technology Crime Investigation Unit senior constable, Paul Litherland, explains that criminals will scan business phone systems around the world to identify vulnerabilities, which will make them easier to access.

“Once access is gained, criminals will log thousands of calls to premium numbers; which in many cases they own, making huge profits,” notes Litherland.

According to the police, many Perth businesses have “extremely vulnerable” VOIP networks and use “only the most basic security in place such as factory default access pins or passwords”, reveals ZDnet.

According to the police, it's difficult to identify and prosecute VOIP fraudsters. In early 2009, a hacker made 11 000 calls over a Perth VOIP line costing over $120 000.

Last year, network companies claimed that clients had been racking up phone bills worth $100 000 because of unauthorised calls placed over compromised VOIP servers. Smaller attacks have netted criminals tens of thousands of dollars worth of calls.