AT&T MERLIN LEGEND Release 3.1 System Planning Manual page 272

Customer Support Information
Establishing a Policy
As a safeguard against toll fraud, follow these guidelines for your MERLIN
LEGEND Communications System and voice messaging system:
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Change passwords frequently (at least quarterly). Changing passwords
routinely on a specific date (such as the first of the month) helps users to
remember to do so.
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Always use the longest-length password allowed.
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Establish well-controlled procedures for resetting passwords.
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Limit the number of invalid attempts to access a voice mailbox to five or
less.
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Monitor access to the MERLIN LEGEND dial-up maintenance port.
Change the access password regularly and issue it only to authorized
personnel. Disconnect the maintenance port when not in use. (However,
this eliminates AT&T's 24-hour maintenance surveillance capability and
may result in additional maintenance costs.)
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Create a communications system management policy concerning
employee turnover and include these suggestions:
Delete all unused voice mailboxes in the voice mail system.
If a terminated employee had Remote Access calling privileges and a
personal authorization code, remove the authorization code
immediately.
If barrier codes and/or authorization codes were shared by the
terminated employee, these should be changed immediately.
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Regularly back up your MERLIN LEGEND system files to ensure a timely
recovery should it be required. Schedule regular, off-site backups.
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Keep the Remote Maintenance Device turned off when not in use by
AT&T or your authorized dealer.
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Limit transfers to registered subscribers only.
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Use the Security Violations Notification options (Mailbox Lock or Warning
Message) to alert you of any mailbox break-in attempts. Investigate all
incidents.
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Review security policies and procedures and keep them up to date.
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System Planning