Phone Threat to Schools

Dear All

A school in Kent has been a victim of what is  called PBX/ Dial through fraud.  The MO is  that the school phone system is  hacked, and then the school phone numbers are used to dial premium rate numbers whilst the school  is  closed.   The school that fell victim was subject of a £500 bill, but there have been examples of companies being subjected to bills running into tens of thousands of pounds.

The hacking normally exploits the vulnerability that the system password/ PIN number is  left at the installed factory pre-set and therefore certain actions can be taken to significantly reduce the risk.

Prevention advice can be found on the attached document and the Police has requested this be circulated to all Schools to be aware. 

For more information view flyer (PDF, 160.4 KB).