In today’s world, security risks are a concern when administering any phone system. NEC has offered some common key phrases from end users that may be an indication of a serious security problem:
“Our long distance carrier has informed us we made several international calls in a short period of time.”
“We noticed our lines going off hook when no one appeared to be on the phone.”
“Sometimes our system moves very slowly when connected to our computer network.”
Toll Fraud is a common problem that may be avoided by following best practices. These include securing voice mailboxes and VoIP extensions, as well as programming toll restriction. The following steps are suggested to help keep your NEC DSX system secure.
Voice Mail
Set your NEC DSX voice mail mailbox type to “None” for extensions that are not being used. Make sure all users program their voice mail security code.
Toll Restriction
Toll restrict unused extensions and voice mail ports from making international calls. Since most hackers attempt international calls, it is important to apply toll restriction to all extensions, whether the system physically has these extensions or not. If toll restriction is correctly applied, their calls will fail even if they have successfully accessed your system.
VoIP
Do not have a password set on VoIP extensions you are not using or that are no longer in use. Have a strong password for the VoIP Extensions you are using.
Remote Networks (When using remote VoIP phones)
One of the most secure types of connections is a hardware VPN. If VPN tunnels are not an option, use port forwarding from known IP addresses only.
Also keep your NEC DSX Phone system at the latest General Release; new releases may contain additional security measures.
DISCLAIMER:
WHILE NEC CORPORATION OF AMERICA (“NEC”) IS PROVIDING THESE TIPS AND GUIDELINES FOR AVOIDING TOLL FRAUD AND SECURITY BREACHES IN DSX (“GUIDELINES”), NEC DOES NOT, IN ANY MANNER, WARRANT OR GUARANTEE THAT TOLL FRAUD, SECURITY BREACHES, OR UNAUTHORIZED INTRUSIONS OF ANY KIND (“INTRUSIONS”) WILL BE PREVENTED BY FOLLOWING THESE GUIDELINES AND NEC DOES NOT, IN ANY MANNER, WARRANT OR GUARANTEE THAT INTRUSIONS WILL NOT OCCUR BY EITHER INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PARTIES.
For assistance setting up these security features on your NEC DSX telephone system give Teltek a call at 1.866.9.Teltek.
Source: NEC Corporation of America, General Channel
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