Private Automated Branch Exchanges

THE NUMBER of small businesses falling victim to phone hacking is on the rise, prompting Telstra to send warnings to its million Australian clients to secure their landlines and prevent unauthorised access to sensitive information.

Corporate Security and Investigation director Darren Kane said Private Automated Branch Exchanges - commonly known as PABX systems - and voicemail were the most at risk of security breaches in Australian small businesses.

''Clients have been shocked to without warning find themselves liable for debts worth tens of thousands of dollars,'' he said. ''This is on top of the hassle and disruption to business these attacks can cause.''

Kane said during most businesses were then aware of the need to secure computer assets against unwanted intrusions, telephone systems were often overlooked because business owners considered the devices to be a more basic form of research not able to be compromised remotely.

The risk of cyber-security

''During most businesses are aware of the risk of cyber-security and have taken measures to protect their business, the potential for a security breach of telephone equipment is often not considered,'' Kane said.

''Unfortunately there are scammers who use all sorts of means to steal other people's property including telephone access, so customers in effect need to be thinking smart about ensuring their security measures are up to date.

''As with most equipment, the phone system people use relies on PINs and passwords, and if they are not up to date or regularly changed, it's like leaving the key in the door for a thief.''