MERLIN LEGEND Communications System Release 5.0
Feature Reference
555-650-110
Issue 1
June 1997
Features
Page 480
Programming
Programming
3
6
At a Glance
3
6
SECURITY
l
ALERT:
!
Remote System Programming. As a customer of a new communications
system, you should be aware that there exists an increasing problem of
telephone toll fraud. Telephone toll fraud can occur in many forms, despite
the numerous efforts of telephone companies and telephone equipment
manufacturers to control it. Some individuals use electronic devices to
prevent or falsify records of these calls. Others charge calls to someone
else’s number by illegally using lost or stolen calling cards, billing innocent
parties, clipping on to someone else’s line, and breaking into someone
else’s telephone equipment physically or electronically. In certain instances,
unauthorized individuals make connections to the telephone network
through the use of remote access features.
The Remote Access feature of your system, if you choose to use it, permits
off-premises callers to access the system from a remote location by using
an 800 number or a 7- or 10-digit telephone number. The system returns an
acknowledgment signaling the user to key in his or her barrier code, which
is selected and programmed by the system manager. After the barrier code
is accepted, the system returns dial tone to the user. If you do not program
specific egress restrictions, the user can place any call normally dialed from
an extension associated with the system. Such an off-premises network call
is originated at, and will be billed from, the system location.
The Remote Access feature, as designed, helps the customer, through
proper programming, to minimize the ability of unauthorized persons to gain
access to the network. Most commonly, telephone numbers and codes are
compromised when overheard in a public location, through theft of a wallet
or purse containing access information, or through carelessness (writing
codes on a piece of paper and improperly discarding it). Additionally,
hackers may use a computer to dial an access code and then publish the
information to other hackers. Enormous charges can be run up quickly. It is
the customer’s responsibility to take the appropriate steps to properly
implement the features, evaluate and program the various restriction levels,
protect access codes, and distribute access codes only to individuals who
have been fully advised of the sensitive nature of the access information.
Common carriers are required by law to collect their tariffed charges. While
these charges are fraudulent charges made by persons with criminal intent,
Users Affected
System managers
Modes
All
Telephones
All
