System information

Issue 1 October 1997 xxi
System Security and Toll Fraud
Telecommunications fraud is the unauthorized use of another company’s
telecommunications service. This type of fraud has been in existence since the
1950’s when AT&T first introduced Direct Distance Dialing (DDD).
Twenty years later, Remote Access became a target of individuals seeking
unauthorized network access. Now, with the added capabilities of voice mail and
automated attendant services, customer premises equipment-based toll fraud
has expanded as a new type of communications abuse. With its subculture of
“hackers” and “phreakers,” telecommunications fraud has rapidly become a
highly profitable criminal activity.
Protecting Your Voice Messaging
System
Voice Messaging toll fraud has risen dramatically in recent years. Now more than
ever, it is imperative that you take steps to secure your system. Securing your
system means protecting both standard voice messaging and automated
attendant applications.
Voice Messaging
There are two types of voice mail fraud. The first type occurs when a hacker
takes over a mailbox and uses it to communicate with other hackers. This can be
expensive if access is gained to the voice mail system via an 800 number. In this
situation, a hacker typically hacks the mailbox password and changes it along
with the greeting.
Once thieves transfer to dial tone, they may dial a Trunk Access Code (TAC),
Feature Access Code (FAC), or extension number, which is the second type of