The cloud offers many benefits to companies who choose to embrace it for communication purposes. Opting for cloud-based services such as fully hosted PBXs, many enterprises have been able to reap these benefits, ranging from cost savings, to less strain on already overworked IT departments. But even though the cloud-based systems have strong upsides, it does not mean that the risk of fraud is completely gone. In fact, in a recent blog post, Valerie Bradford, product marketing manager from least cost routing and VoIP fraud expert TransNexus (News - Alert), explained how the risk of fraud still exists in the cloud.

Bradford mentioned that some companies might expect that the risk and responsibility of fraud would fall solely on the shoulders of the cloud provider. However, this is not necessarily so. It is a good idea for any business to insulate itself from telecom fraud in each and every way possible. So, even if you are working with a hosted provider that has its own safeguards in place, it is a good idea to protect the security of your network. For example, it is wise to use a fraud detection solution, such as the ones included in TransNexus software NexOSS or SDReporter.

The TransNexus solutions work by automatically detecting unusual spikes in calls and also blocking suspicious call routes. These fraud prevention tools have been used by clients to nip VoIP theft in the bud, and one company, Appia, has not had a single fraud event since implementing the TransNexus software.

“We live and die by our fraud detection reports” said Jay Cox (News - Alert), director of telecommunications management at Appia Communications. 

So even though cloud and hosted solutions can take quite a load off of the minds of your IT staff, it is a wise move to take a proactive step against fraud to make sure your cost savings really are helping your bottom line.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2012, taking place Oct. 2-5, in Austin, TX. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. For more information on registering for ITEXPO click here.

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