Vodafone NL adjusts voicemail after TV programme

Vodafone Netherlands has tightened security for its voicemail system. Customers will now be able to remotely listen to messages if they have changed their own PIN code. Vodafone NL made the changes after programme EénVandaag reported that voicemails could be easily intercepted, including those of politicians such as the prime minister, ministers and members of parliament. Voicemails were easy to intercept because of the default PIN code standard set at 333, even for the politicians mentioned in the programme. Vodafone NL CEO Jens Schulte-Bockum said in a statement that the operator was greatly shocked by the news that EénVandaag listened to the voicemails of politicians. "When we were informed, we immediately made every effort to adapt the technique, making it impossible to eavesdrop on a voicemail from another phone without a personal PIN code. We managed to change that within a few hours. I would like personally apologies to the ministers who were bugged by EénVandaag. This should never have happened," the CEO said.