Fax machines provide several security advantages, making them a preferred choice for transmitting sensitive information. Despite the rise of modern file-sharing methods, many medical and government institutions continue to rely on fax for document exchange. For a more convenient and secure way to share documents, you can use comfax.com, which offers modern fax communication solutions.
However, using fax comes with its own security concerns. It is essential to ask critical questions such as “Can faxes be hacked?” or “Can faxes be intercepted?” to fully grasp their potential risks and vulnerabilities.
Understanding fax security risks
Fax machines are often considered secure because they transmit data over analog telephone lines instead of the internet. However, this does not render them impervious to security risks. Analog fax machines can still fall prey to data breaches.
According to the University of Oregon, they are “more susceptible to data breaches than encrypted, cloud-based systems.” In contrast, modern online fax services, like https://comfax.com, employ advanced security measures to protect data.
Even modern VoIP and cloud-based fax machines can be at risk of hacking and interception. Without advanced security measures, online fax services can expose sensitive data to man-in-the-middle attacks and other threats. So, can fax lines be hacked or intercepted? The answer is yes. Faxes can be compromised, especially under the following conditions:
- Tapped phone lines.
- Faxes sent to incorrect numbers.
- Unauthorized individuals viewing received faxes.
- Insufficient security for network-connected fax machines.
- Unencrypted VoIP or cloud-based fax transmissions.
Can faxes be intercepted?
Yes, faxes can be intercepted in various ways.
Wiretapping
Fax systems using phone lines are not foolproof. Skilled attackers can tap phone lines, especially those outside secure buildings or at vulnerable network points, to intercept faxes. They can decode the analog signal into the original document. Since the information on these lines is not encrypted, malicious entities can easily access sensitive data during transmission.
Unauthorized access
Sending a confidential fax to an incorrect number can lead to a significant data breach. In busy offices, sensitive documents may sit on fax trays for extended periods, allowing unauthorized individuals to read them.
Man-in-the-middle attacks
Faxes sent over VoIP lines risk man-in-the-middle attacks. Attackers might compromise the network used to transmit the fax, alter the information, or decrypt the data without making changes, thus eavesdropping on your communications.
Can faxes be hacked?
Yes, faxes can be hacked. While analog fax machines are less prone to hacking than digital ones, modern multi-function devices (MFDs) with fax capabilities can be compromised. Here’s how hackers may achieve this.
Exploiting firmware vulnerabilities
Many firmware versions contain legacy code developed when security was not a priority. Hardware constraints, like limited processing power and memory, can hinder advanced security measures, allowing vulnerabilities to exist. Hackers can exploit these to infiltrate networks and access sensitive data.
Network penetration
Fax machines can be hacked if network protections like firewalls are not in place or software is outdated. Cybercriminals can gain access to network-connected fax machines, steal data, and potentially use it for ransom or fraud.
Malware infiltration
Hackers can send malicious faxes to exploit software vulnerabilities in fax machines. For instance, Check Point researchers demonstrated the “Faxploit attack,” where, by knowing an organization’s fax number, they penetrated fax protocol vulnerabilities in an HP multi-function printer, gaining access to the entire IT network.
Best practices for securing fax communications
Fax machines can be hacked, but you can improve security by following some best practices. Use secure fax services with strong encryption and compliance features, always verify fax numbers before sending, update your device’s firmware and software regularly, and secure your network with measures like firewalls and VPNs. These steps help safeguard your fax communications from potential threats.