Answer-seizure ratio

The term "Answer-Seizure Ratio" is a telecommunications metric used to measure the ratio of successfully answered calls to attempted calls, expressed as a percentage. In the context of cybersecurity, the Answer-Seizure Ratio (ASR) can refer to the rate at which legitimate calls are answered compared to fraudulent ones in telephony-based attacks.

Understanding Answer-Seizure Ratio in Cybersecurity

In the realm of cybersecurity, attackers may employ automated methods to make numerous calls, particularly in vishing (voice phishing) attacks. The ASR plays a crucial role in these scenarios as it reveals the success rate of the attack. A low ASR could indicate that calls are being blocked or that potential victims are recognizing and ignoring fraudulent calls.

Prevention Tips

To mitigate the risk associated with telephony-based attacks and maintain a high answer-seizure ratio, consider the following prevention tips:

Implement Call Authentication Measures: Utilize call authentication measures, such as digital certificates for calls, to verify the legitimacy of incoming communications. This can help identify and block fraudulent calls, safeguarding against call spoofing and vishing attacks.

Educate Users: Educate users about the risks associated with unsolicited calls and provide guidelines for handling them. Encourage individuals to exercise caution when providing personal or sensitive information over the phone, even if the call appears to be from a trusted source.

Use Call-Blocking Tools and Services: Employ call-blocking tools and services that can identify and filter out potentially fraudulent calls. These tools use various techniques, such as analyzing call patterns and matching numbers against known spam or fraud databases, to help protect against telephony-based attacks.

Stay Updated on Industry Standards: Stay informed about industry best practices, regulations, and standards related to call security. Regularly review and update your organization's protocols to ensure they align with current recommendations.

Monitor and Analyze Call Data: Continuously monitor and analyze call data to identify any potential patterns or anomalies that may indicate an increase in fraudulent calls. This information can help in developing proactive measures to prevent telephony-based attacks.

Related Terms

Vishing: Vishing, short for voice phishing, is a type of social engineering attack where individuals are tricked into revealing sensitive information over the phone. Attackers often impersonate trusted organizations or individuals to gain the victim's trust and obtain valuable personal or financial data.

Telephony Denial of Service (TDoS): Telephony Denial of Service (TDoS) is an attack that floods a target's phone system with a high volume of automated calls, disrupting its normal functioning. TDoS attacks aim to overwhelm the target's ability to handle incoming calls, impacting their operations and potentially causing financial or reputational damage.

It is worth noting that the Answer-Seizure Ratio is only one aspect of call security in the context of cybersecurity. Additionally, various technological advancements and industry standards continue to evolve to address telephony-based attacks, ensuring the robustness of call systems and protecting against fraudulent activities.