5 Warning Signs That Your VoIP Has Been Hacked

Unusual call activity

Examining the call history of a VoIP system can reveal any unusual activity taking place. A list of unknown calls to a local or international destination is a common indicator of a compromised system. If your business doesn’t do business with overseas clients but there has been plenty of foreign calls, it should set alarm bells ringing as hackers may be using your company’s VoIP services for their own gain.

High phone bills

VoIP systems are cost-effective alternatives to traditional landlines, preferred by many businesses to make long-distance calls. While spikes in phone bills may indicate that business is going well, it might also mean that an attacker is exploiting the VoIP system for illegal activities. High bills could be the result of calls to international and premium rate numbers. Therefore, it’s best to scrutinize the phone bill and compare it with a recent call history report to confirm the presence of a hacker.

Unexpected antivirus pop-ups

Once a VoIP system has been compromised, hackers may gain access to other network devices like computers and tablets. With this access, cybercriminals can trick unsuspecting victims with fake antivirus messages that inform users about viruses detected on a computer. These pop-ups are known as scareware that direct targets to a devious website to download and install fake security software. While it may seem harmless, the software is actually a malicious form of malware that creates a back door for hackers to steal personal information and an opportunity to deploy ransomware.

Redirected internet searches

Nothing is more frustrating than searching for something on the internet and being redirected to an unsolicited website. That’s what happens when an exploited VoIP phone system infects other devices on the network. While it may seem like a glitch in the search engine, it could, in fact, be a hacker forcing a user to visit deceptive websites that collect login credentials and credit card details. What’s more, finding odd extensions in a web browser that generate push notifications and lure end users into installing malicious software is another sign of a compromised virtual phone system.

Hijacked webcams and microphones

VoIP technology outshines traditional phone systems as it offers more functionality, like crystal clear audio and access to video calling for meetings. But a simple software flaw or an unencrypted connection can let hackers in, allowing them to secretly participate in all intra-company voice and video communication. Cybercriminals can remotely access virtual phone systems and record calls to obtain sensitive information. A tell-tale sign of an infiltrated VoIP system is webcams and microphones that operate automatically without authorization.