MOBILE phone security is being stepped up in the Isle of Man to protect residents against voicemail hacking.

It has been reported recently that some journalists working for national newspapers in the United Kingdom had allegedly hacked into private voicemail accounts of the rich and famous.

This has highlighted the dangers of using the default 0000 PIN number that protects many message systems.

Sure Cable and Wireless have launched a new voicemail upgrade for their customers which requires users to input a new PIN number when they set up their account.

Lisa Mclaughlan, head of marketing for the company, said: "Taking the simple step of changing your PIN vastly increases the security of your voicemail message inbox.

"Headlines in the national papers have shown us just how vulnerable voicemail systems can be if PINs or passwords are left unchanged.

"This new system simply forces users to change the PIN number and by doing so makes hacking far less likely.  Although users could change the PIN on the old system many chose not to do so.

 
"When changing the PIN we recommend that Sure customers input any memorable four digit set of numbers as long as it is not 0000 or any other set of repeating figures."

The new voicemail system allows customers to access their settings online rather than on the phone if they prefer. They will also be able to link their mobile and landline messages so that a message left on their landline automatically sends a notification text message to their mobile.

In addition users will be able to avoid roaming charges when checking their messages by opting to have the message emailed to them as a digital audio file which can then be checked via a broadband connection.

No messages saved on the old voicemail system will be lost as voicemail users can still access the old system if necessary.

Lisa continued: "As we move our customers over to the new system, we will let them know how they can access their voicemail via the web. The details for accessing by phone remain the same as they are now.

"Voicemail is an important feature for many mobile phone users and we hope our customers will find the new system to be intuitive and easy to use."

For more information on Sure Cable and Wireless click here.

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