Telecom security concerns alleviated with call accounting

Telecom Security Concerns Alleviated With Call Accounting by Peter Verhoeff

Ever since 9/11, security has been a major concern for governmental agencies and corporations alike. Telecom networks are particularly vulnerable to not only fraud and hacker attacks, but can also become the target of terrorism. Call accounting is a tool that may be used to combat these threats.

As is often the case with new technologies, the creative efforts of the innovators become the target of those who seek to destroy them. Most of us are aware of the threats posed to Internet communications, such as viruses and other malicious intrusions, and have taken protective measures with firewall and virus checking software. However, voice communications face similar risks and generally are not as well-protected. Yet, who would want their telephone network crippled in times of crisis, or worse being taken over by terrorists?

The FBI is aware of the telecom threats, but enterprises need to take their own measures to protect themselves. The traditional switched networks are subject to attacks, but the new VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology provides a whole new set of security challenges.

A good start to making your telecom network more secure is by installing a call accounting system. Call accounting software uses Call Detail Records (CDRs) to provide information about where a call originated, its destination, the date, time and duration, etc.

The call accounting software issues periodic reports about who used the telephone network and when, which can quickly show up any unusual activity and permit timely corrective measures. The system can even be set up to issue alarms when it detects any suspicious activity. It can detect calls of abnormal duration (too long or too short), wrong calling station, wrong destination, wrong time of day, etc.

Having a reliable call accounting system in place will not only provide improved security, it routinely saves the company money, because it provides a phone bill tracking mechanism and thus helps to prevent over billing by telecom carriers. This is all part of Telecom Expense Management (TEM).

In addition to providing reports and security alerts, a good call accounting system should be able to operate with the traditional switched telephone networks, as well as with the newer VoIP technology.

Author, Peter Verhoeff, writes articles on the business benefits of call accounting and call detail record technology. More information can be found at http://www.telsoft-solutions.com.