BUSINESSES should be increasingly on their guard against telecoms hackers and unscrupulous telecoms suppliers. Not only are the fraudsters becoming more sophisticated in their methods, but they are also becoming more adept at manipulating the latest technology.

Voice over IP (VoIP) phones offer increased functionality, better usability and reduced overheads. However, many companies have overlooked one major factor in this migration: new opportunities for hackers.

Breaking into a traditional phone network was virtually unheard of because the potential returns made it not worth the effort. But an IP-based phone network is familiar territory for hackers - the operating systems are on common ground and the payback is significant.

Unfortunately, hijacking a phone network is often far easier than hacking into a data network. Many companies simply forget to reset passwords after installation, opening the door to hackers.

Companies should also be aware of telecoms suppliers who visit their premises offering "outstanding deals" on "high quality phone systems". Many of these systems are at the bottom end of the market, are over-hyped by the telecoms rep and will result in high call charges for anyone ringing an organisation.

These telecoms suppliers are overstating the value of the telephone systems they are selling by thousands of pounds and are giving the organisations they are supplying false promises of a hefty return on revenue shares from 08 numbers. Callers should be aware that they are often being charged from the moment they call these phone lines not from the minute their call is picked up and organisations should be wary of these telecoms suppliers who could do their reputation for good service a lot of harm in the long run.

With the advent of IP systems, companies should be increasingly aware that unscrupulous telecoms dealers and hackers will be increasingly looking for ways to cash in.