Everyone has heard of denial of service (DoS) attacks. These attacks are well publicized when they bring down a large corporation or website such as Yahoo. However, a new twist on this attack has been occurring; telephony DoS attacks against individuals. Here’s how it works.
Attackers uses automated programs to dial your landline or cell phone numbers you registered with your bank or credit card. When the calls are answered, victims hear dead air, an advertisement, or a telephone sex menu. The calls are short but frequent enough some victims have had to have their numbers changed.
While that’s a pain, here’s the real danger. While they are making your line busy, they are changing information, transferring funds, or making charges on your personal accounts. When your bank’s anti-fraud monitor goes off, it tries to call you but guess what, your line is busy. By the time the bank can reach you, the damage has already been done.
To mitigate this attack, AT&T offered this advice: “We urge anyone who suspects they may be the target of a TDOS attack to immediately contact their telephone provider after notifying their financial institutions.”
Information gathered from: www.njtoday.net/2010/05/12/phony-phone-calls-distract-consumers-from-genuine-theft-%E2%80%94-fbi-partners-warn-public/
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