BUSINESSES THAT use internal computerised telephone networks have been advised to upgrade their telephone security software following an increase in the frequency of communication theft.

Private Automatic Branch Exchanges (PABX) are systems that manage internal telephone networks and are widely used. Computerised telephone networks typically require off-site maintenance and this need for remote computerised access can lead to vulnerability to attack.

One feature which can lead to vulnerabilities in a system is DISA (direct inward system access). Once enabled, it allows employees to route calls through the system with the cost of the calls being billed to the PABX owner.

The Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation recommends that business owners disable the DISA feature if it is not required.