| There are a variety of measures you can take | | | | occurs.6. Wherever possible, limit the number |
| to insure that your PBX is safe from | | | | of employees who are authorized to use remote |
| hackers.Listed below are tips you can use | | | | access. And if possible, change pass codes |
| right now to protect your business.1. Take | | | | and authorization codes when an employee |
| steps to secure your authorization codes on a | | | | permanently leaves the company.7. NEVER |
| permanent basis. Remind employees of the need | | | | transfer a call outside your PBX if you are |
| to keep all access codes secure and change | | | | unaware of the identity of the caller. |
| them frequently.2. Contact your equipment | | | | Instruct employees that phone companies will |
| vendors and ask for any and all information | | | | never ask customers to be part of a "test" - |
| on the available security systems in place to | | | | no matter how official the caller may |
| detect toll fraud. They should also provide | | | | sound.8. Always be alert to possible PBX |
| information on monitoring services available | | | | abuse signs. These could include repeated |
| to help you quickly detect unusual usage.3. | | | | calls of short duration, sudden increase in |
| Work closely with your PBX administrator to | | | | 800 usage, or unexplained changes incoming, |
| ensure that all of the PBX security features | | | | outgoing or especially after-hours calling |
| available are in place and are being | | | | patterns.9. Consider out sourcing your |
| implemented.4. Unless needed for routine | | | | telecom bills to a firm that will provide |
| business, block outgoing international | | | | bill paying and audit services on an ongoing |
| calling, 809 and 900 calling capabilities.5. | | | | monthly basis. You'll save money across the |
| Conduct regular and routine auditing of your | | | | board and catch toll fraud at the time it |
| telecommunication systems and bills, | | | | happens.Karen Thatcher is President and CEO |
| especially just after regular vacation months | | | | of TelCon Associates, Inc. a 32 year old |
| and holiday seasons. It is during these times | | | | telecom audit and bill management firm. |
| of year that PBX toll fraud most often | | | | |