Thomas Lapp <thomas%mvac23.uucp@udel.edu> (07/21/90)
I know that the Centrex system is sort of a precursor to the Class
features and so forth in that it is a PBX-type system where the PBX
itself is "part of?" the CO's switching equipment. (Of course, I
could be wrong here too...). Anyway, I've heard two rumours lately
and would like someone to confirm/deny them or tell me what is truth
and what isn't.
The first is that it is possible for a customer (administrator?)
off-site of the Centrex system to "program" the system, make changes
to services allowed on a particular line, etc. Is this true?
The second rumour comes from the assumption that the first part is
true: How good is the security on this system -- in other words, if
you CAN program from off-site, what keeps "phreaking joe" from
cracking the security on the Centrex system and doing whatever he
likes to lines on it?
- tom
internet : mvac23!thomas@udel.edu or thomas%mvac23@udel.edu
uucp : {ucbvax,mcvax,psuvax1,uunet}!udel!mvac23!thomas
Location : Newark, DE, USA
[Moderator's Note: Almost all modern phone switches and/or central
offices can be remotely programmed as the need may arise. How secure
are any of these arrangements? Much depends upon the complexity of
the password, and the use of call-back modems. The answer to your
question is yes, unauthorized changes can be made. But the use of
centrex or regular CO lines is not the issue: Phreaks have disrupted
single line residential service also, using the same techniques. PT]