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Trunk Access Control

PIN Lists provide authentication for outbound calling, preventing unauthorized use of expensive international or premium routes. Users must enter a PIN before calls are completed.

Understanding PIN Lists

What is a PIN List?

  • Authentication system for outbound calls
  • Requires users to enter PIN before call connects
  • Controls access to specific trunks or routes
  • Tracks usage by PIN for billing/auditing
  • Prevents toll fraud and unauthorized usage

Common Use Cases:

  • International Calling: Require PIN for international routes
  • Premium Numbers: Control access to expensive destinations
  • After Hours: Require authentication outside business hours
  • Guest Access: Provide temporary PINs to visitors
  • Department Billing: Track usage by department/project
  • Mobile Users: Authenticate remote/mobile workers

How It Works:

  1. User dials number (e.g., international)
  2. System matches outbound route with PIN requirement
  3. System prompts: "Please enter your PIN followed by #"
  4. User enters PIN + #
  5. System validates PIN
  6. If valid: Call proceeds
  7. If invalid: Call rejected, optional retry

Benefits:

  • Security: Prevent unauthorized international calling
  • Accountability: Track who made expensive calls
  • Cost Control: Limit access to premium routes
  • Fraud Prevention: Block toll fraud attacks
  • Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements for call tracking
  • Flexibility: Temporary PINs for contractors/guests

Configure PIN List

Go to Settings > Trunks > PIN Lists or Outbound Route Settings > Authentication

Create PIN List

Create New PIN List:

List Settings:

Name: International Calling PINs
Description: Authentication for international routes
Type: Outbound Authentication
Status: Enabled

When to Use:

  • Applied to specific outbound routes
  • Can have multiple PIN lists for different purposes
  • Each route can reference one PIN list

Configuration Options:

PIN Length: 4-8 digits (6 recommended)
Allow Retry: Yes (3 attempts)
Invalid Action: Reject call or route to operator
Log Attempts: Yes (all attempts logged)
Timeout: 10 seconds (user must enter PIN)

List Organization

Create separate PIN lists for different purposes (international, premium, after-hours) to manage access controls independently.

PIN Format Requirements:

Recommended Format:

Length: 6 digits
Format: Numeric only
Example: 123456, 987654

Advantages:
- Long enough for security
- Easy to remember
- Fast to dial
- No confusion with letters

Security Considerations:

Too Short (4 digits):

Problem: Only 10,000 combinations
Risk: Brute force attacks possible
Use Case: Low-value routes only

Optimal (6 digits):

Combinations: 1,000,000
Security: Good balance
Usability: Easy to remember
Recommended: Most use cases

Too Long (8+ digits):

Combinations: 100,000,000+
Security: Very high
Usability: Harder to remember/dial
Use Case: High-security environments

Avoid:

  • Sequential: 123456, 654321
  • Repeated: 111111, 555555
  • Common: 000000, 999999
  • Dates: 010101 (birthdays)
  • Phone extensions: Matches user extension

Weak PINs

Avoid common patterns. Attackers try sequential and repeated digits first. Use random 6-digit PINs for security.

Security Configuration:

Attempt Limits:

Max Attempts: 3
Lockout Duration: 15 minutes
Lockout Action: Block calls from that extension
Administrator Alert: Email on lockout

Timeout Settings:

PIN Entry Timeout: 10 seconds
Retry Delay: 2 seconds (between attempts)
Total Timeout: 30 seconds (all attempts)
Failed Action: Disconnect call

Logging:

Log Successful: Yes (with timestamp, extension, destination)
Log Failed: Yes (important for fraud detection)
Log Detail: PIN entered, attempts, outcome
Retention: 90 days minimum (longer for compliance)
Alert Threshold: 5 failed attempts in 10 minutes

Advanced Security:

Time-Based: PIN only valid during certain hours
IP Restriction: PIN only valid from specific IP ranges
Extension Binding: PIN tied to specific extensions
Expiration: PIN expires after date/time
Usage Limits: Max calls per day/week per PIN

Fraud Detection

Monitor failed PIN attempts closely. Multiple failures can indicate toll fraud attack. Set up alerts for suspicious activity.

Add PINs to List

Add Individual PIN:

PIN Entry:

PIN: 274839
User: John Smith
Extension: 1001
Department: Sales
Description: International calling access
Valid From: 2025-01-01
Valid Until: 2025-12-31 (optional)
Status: Enabled

PIN Details:

  • PIN: 6-digit unique code
  • User: Person assigned (for reference)
  • Extension: User's extension (optional binding)
  • Department: For billing/tracking
  • Description: Purpose/notes
  • Valid From/Until: Time-based expiration
  • Status: Enabled/Disabled

Best Practices:

  1. Generate Randomly: Don't use sequential PINs
  2. Unique: One PIN per user (no sharing)
  3. Document: Record who has each PIN
  4. Communicate Securely: Send PIN via secure method
  5. Change Periodically: Update every 6-12 months

One PIN Per User

Assign unique PIN to each user for accountability. Shared PINs make it impossible to track usage or identify abuse.

Bulk PIN Import:

CSV Format:

PIN,User,Extension,Department,Description,ValidFrom,ValidUntil,Status
274839,John Smith,1001,Sales,International access,2025-01-01,2025-12-31,Enabled
395048,Jane Doe,1002,Support,International access,2025-01-01,2025-12-31,Enabled
582947,Bob Johnson,1003,Sales,International access,2025-01-01,2025-12-31,Enabled

Import Process:

Prepare CSV File:

  • Use template or format above
  • Generate random PINs (don't use sequential)
  • Include all required fields
  • Save as CSV (UTF-8 encoding)

Upload File:

  • Go to PIN List settings
  • Select "Import PINs"
  • Choose CSV file
  • Map columns if needed
  • Preview import

Verify Import:

  • Review imported PINs
  • Check for duplicates
  • Verify formatting
  • Confirm user assignments
  • Enable PIN list

Distribute PINs:

  • Email users their PINs securely
  • Provide usage instructions
  • Document distribution
  • Track acknowledgments

PIN Generation Script (Example):

import random

def generate_pin(length=6):
    """Generate random PIN avoiding common patterns"""
    while True:
        pin = ''.join([str(random.randint(0, 9)) for _ in range(length)])
        # Avoid sequential
        if pin in ['123456', '654321', '012345']:
            continue
        # Avoid repeated
        if len(set(pin)) == 1:
            continue
        # Avoid common
        if pin in ['000000', '111111', '999999']:
            continue
        return pin

# Generate 100 PINs
for i in range(100):
    print(generate_pin())

Random Generation

Always generate PINs randomly. Don't use sequential (1001, 1002, 1003) or predictable patterns. Use script or online generator.

PIN Assignment Strategies:

Strategy 1: User-Specific

Approach: One PIN per user
Usage: Tied to user's extension
Benefits: 
- Clear accountability
- Easy to track usage
- Individual billing
- Simple management
Drawbacks:
- More PINs to manage
- Users must remember PIN

Strategy 2: Department

Approach: One PIN per department
Usage: All sales team shares one PIN
Benefits:
- Fewer PINs to manage
- Department-level billing
- Easy for users
Drawbacks:
- No individual accountability
- Can't identify specific user
- Shared secret less secure

Strategy 3: Project-Based

Approach: PIN per project/client
Usage: Project team shares PIN for billing
Benefits:
- Project-level cost tracking
- Easy to allocate expenses
- Temporary for project duration
Drawbacks:
- Multiple PINs per user
- Management overhead

Strategy 4: Temporary/Guest

Approach: Time-limited PINs for visitors
Usage: Contractors, guests, temporary staff
Benefits:
- Controlled access
- Automatic expiration
- Easy to revoke
- Security (no permanent access)
Setup:
- Create PIN with expiration date
- Provide to guest
- Automatically disables after date
- No cleanup required

Recommendation:

  • Most Orgs: User-specific (one per user)
  • Small Teams: Department-based (simpler)
  • Project Work: Project-based (cost allocation)
  • Visitors: Always time-limited temporary PINs

Best Practice

User-specific PINs provide best accountability and security. Use department PINs only for small teams where individual tracking isn't required.

Apply PIN List to Route

Apply PIN to Outbound Route:

Route Settings:

Route Name: International Calling
Pattern: 011. (US international prefix)
Priority: 5
Trunk: International Trunk
PIN List: International Calling PINs ← Apply here
Status: Enabled

How It Works:

  1. User dials: 011-44-20-1234-5678 (UK number)
  2. System matches pattern: 011.
  3. Checks route: "International Calling"
  4. Sees PIN List: "International Calling PINs"
  5. Prompts user: "Please enter your PIN"
  6. User enters: 274839#
  7. System validates PIN against list
  8. If valid: Routes call via International Trunk
  9. If invalid: Plays error, optionally allows retry

User Experience:

User dials: 011-44-20-1234-5678
System: "Please enter your PIN followed by the pound key"
User: 274839#
System: *pause* "Please wait while we connect your call"
Call connects to London

Seamless Integration

PIN authentication adds 5-10 seconds to call setup but provides critical security and accountability for expensive routes.

Multiple Routes with PINs:

Scenario: Different PINs for different destinations

Route 1: International (Expensive)

Route: International Calling
Pattern: 011.
PIN List: International PINs
Users: 25 authorized users
Cost: $0.50/minute average

Route 2: Premium Numbers

Route: Premium Rate
Pattern: 1-900-XXXXXXX
PIN List: Premium Number PINs
Users: 5 managers only
Cost: $2.99/minute

Route 3: After-Hours Calling

Route: After Hours Outbound
Pattern: 9.
Time: Weekends, 6pm-8am weekdays
PIN List: After Hours PINs
Users: On-call staff only
Reason: Prevent abuse outside business hours

Route 4: Domestic Long Distance

Route: Domestic LD
Pattern: 1-NXX-NXX-XXXX
PIN List: None (no PIN required)
Reason: Low cost, all users allowed

Benefits:

  • Granular control by destination
  • Different security levels
  • Flexible user assignment
  • Cost management

Tiered Security

Apply strictest PINs (most expensive/sensitive routes) first, less strict for cheaper routes, none for local/domestic calls.

Conditional PIN Requirements:

Time-Based PIN:

Use Case: Require PIN outside business hours

Configuration:
- Route: Standard Outbound
- Time Condition: After 6pm, before 8am, weekends
- If After Hours: Apply "After Hours PIN List"
- If Business Hours: No PIN required

Benefit: Normal daytime calling unrestricted, nights/weekends controlled

Location-Based PIN:

Use Case: Remote workers require PIN

Configuration:
- Remote IP ranges: Require PIN
- Office IP ranges: No PIN required
- Mobile devices: Always require PIN

Benefit: Office users have seamless experience, remote users authenticated

Destination-Based PIN:

Use Case: PIN only for expensive destinations

Routes with PIN:
- International: PIN required
- Premium rate: PIN required
- Toll-free: No PIN
- Local: No PIN
- Domestic LD: No PIN (or optional)

Benefit: Minimal disruption, security where needed

User-Based PIN:

Use Case: Only certain users require PIN

Configuration:
- Executive extensions: No PIN (trusted)
- General staff: PIN required
- Contractors/temps: PIN required + expiration

Benefit: VIPs uninterrupted, general staff controlled

Balance Security & Usability

Apply PINs only where needed. Requiring PIN for every call frustrates users. Target expensive/sensitive routes only.

Test PIN Authentication

PIN Authentication Testing:

Test Plan:

Valid PIN Test:

  1. Configure test route with PIN
  2. Dial test number (not actual international)
  3. System prompts for PIN
  4. Enter valid PIN from list
  5. Verify call connects
  6. Check CDR logs show PIN used

Invalid PIN Test:

  1. Dial same test number
  2. Enter invalid PIN (999999)
  3. Verify rejection message
  4. Check logs show failed attempt
  5. Verify lockout after max attempts

Timeout Test:

  1. Dial test number
  2. Wait without entering PIN
  3. Verify timeout after 10 seconds
  4. Confirm call disconnects
  5. Check logs

Retry Test:

  1. Dial test number
  2. Enter wrong PIN
  3. System allows retry
  4. Enter correct PIN
  5. Verify call connects

Test Checklist:

  • Valid PIN connects successfully
  • Invalid PIN rejected with error message
  • Timeout disconnects call
  • Retry works correctly
  • Lockout after max attempts
  • Administrator alert on lockout
  • CDR logs show PIN usage
  • Failed attempts logged
  • Time-based expiration works
  • Extension binding works (if configured)

Test First

Always test PIN authentication thoroughly before deploying to users. Failed PINs during important calls cause frustration and lost business.

User Training & Communication:

Training Materials:

Email to Users:

Subject: New International Calling PIN Required

Dear Team,

Starting January 1st, international calls will require a PIN for security and cost control.

Your PIN: 274839

How to Use:
1. Dial international number as usual: 011-country-number
2. System will prompt: "Please enter your PIN"
3. Enter your PIN: 274839
4. Press # (pound key)
5. Call will connect normally

Example:
- Dial: 011-44-20-1234-5678 (London)
- Prompt: "Please enter your PIN"
- You: 274839#
- System: "Please wait while we connect your call"

Important:
- Keep PIN confidential (do not share)
- Contact IT if you forget PIN
- Report suspicious activity

Questions? Contact [email protected]

Thanks,
IT Department

Quick Reference Card:

INTERNATIONAL CALLING PIN

Your PIN: [274839]

1. Dial: 011-country-number
2. Listen for PIN prompt
3. Enter: [Your PIN]#
4. Call connects

Tips:
- Enter PIN quickly (10 second timeout)
- Press # after PIN
- 3 attempts allowed
- Call helpdesk if locked out

Helpdesk: x5000

Training Session Agenda:

  1. Why PINs required (security, cost control)
  2. How to use PIN (live demo)
  3. What to do if PIN fails
  4. PIN security (don't share)
  5. How to get help
  6. Q&A

Clear Communication

Provide clear, simple instructions. Users should know exactly what to do before first PIN-required call to avoid confusion and failed calls.

Common PIN Issues:

Issue 1: PIN Not Accepted

Symptom: User enters PIN, system says invalid
Causes:
- PIN typed incorrectly
- PIN expired
- PIN disabled
- Wrong PIN list applied to route
- User locked out after failed attempts

Resolution:
1. Verify PIN in system (copy/paste to test)
2. Check PIN status (enabled?)
3. Check expiration date
4. Verify route using correct PIN list
5. Check lockout status
6. Reset PIN or unlock user

Issue 2: No PIN Prompt

Symptom: Call proceeds without PIN prompt
Causes:
- Route not configured for PIN
- PIN list not applied
- Route priority wrong (matches different route)
- Time condition bypassing PIN

Resolution:
1. Verify PIN list assigned to route
2. Check route priority (is it matched?)
3. Check time conditions
4. Review dial plan matching
5. Test with different number

Issue 3: Timeout

Symptom: Call disconnects during PIN entry
Causes:
- User too slow entering PIN
- Timeout too short
- User confused about when to enter

Resolution:
1. Check timeout setting (increase to 15 seconds)
2. Train users to enter quickly
3. Provide clear audio prompt
4. Test with real users

Issue 4: Lockout

Symptom: User locked out after failed attempts
Causes:
- Wrong PIN entered multiple times
- User typo
- Forgotten PIN
- Possible fraud attempt

Resolution:
1. Verify legitimate user (not fraud)
2. Admin unlocks account
3. Verify/reset PIN
4. Re-train user
5. Monitor for suspicious activity

Issue 5: CDR Not Logging PIN

Symptom: Call records don't show which PIN used
Causes:
- PIN logging disabled
- CDR field not configured
- Database issue

Resolution:
1. Enable PIN logging in settings
2. Verify CDR includes PIN field
3. Check database schema
4. Re-test and verify logs

Fraud Alert

Multiple lockouts across different extensions may indicate toll fraud attack. Investigate immediately and consider blocking international routes temporarily.


Use Cases & Examples

International Calling Control:

Scenario:

  • 100-person company
  • Most users don't need international calling
  • 20 users occasionally call international
  • Cost: $5,000/month in unauthorized calls

Solution:

PIN List: "International Authorized"
Users: 20 specific users assigned PINs
Route: International (011.)
Result: Only authorized users can call international
Savings: $4,000/month (80% reduction)

Implementation:

  1. Create PIN List:

    • Name: International Authorized
    • 20 PINs (one per authorized user)
    • 6-digit random PINs
  2. Configure Route:

    • Pattern: 011.
    • PIN List: International Authorized
    • Max attempts: 3
    • Timeout: 10 seconds
  3. Distribute PINs:

    • Email each user their unique PIN
    • Provide usage instructions
    • Document who has access
  4. Monitor Usage:

    • Review CDR logs monthly
    • Check for unusual patterns
    • Audit PIN usage

Results:

  • Unauthorized calls eliminated
  • Clear accountability for international usage
  • Department-level cost allocation
  • Reduced toll fraud risk

Cost Savings

Many organizations see 70-90% reduction in unauthorized international calling after implementing PIN authentication.

Department Cost Allocation:

Scenario:

  • Multi-department organization
  • Need to bill international calls to departments
  • Finance requires detailed cost allocation

Solution:

Sales Dept PIN: 111222
Engineering PIN: 333444
Marketing PIN: 555666
Executive PIN: 777888

CDR logs show which PIN used
Monthly report by department
Accurate cost allocation

Implementation:

  1. Create PIN per Department:
Sales: 111222
  - 15 sales staff share PIN
  - Appropriate for team
  
Engineering: 333444
  - 8 engineers share PIN
  - Low international usage
  
Marketing: 555666
  - 5 marketing staff share PIN
  - Moderate usage
  
Executive: 777888
  - 4 executives share PIN
  - High usage, VIP access
  1. Configure Reporting:
-- Monthly cost by department
SELECT 
  pin,
  department,
  COUNT(*) as call_count,
  SUM(duration) as total_minutes,
  SUM(cost) as total_cost
FROM cdr
WHERE route = 'International'
  AND DATE >= '2025-01-01'
GROUP BY pin, department
ORDER BY total_cost DESC
  1. Monthly Process:
    • Export CDR with PIN field
    • Group by PIN/department
    • Calculate costs
    • Distribute to finance
    • Chargeback to departments

Benefits:

  • Accurate department billing
  • Simple for users (one PIN per team)
  • Easy monthly reporting
  • Finance gets needed detail

Trade-off

Department PINs simpler but sacrifice individual accountability. Consider user-specific PINs if you need to identify specific callers.

After-Hours Access Control:

Scenario:

  • Office hours: 8am-6pm weekdays
  • Outside hours: Only on-call staff should make outbound calls
  • Prevent after-hours abuse

Solution:

Business Hours Route: No PIN required
After-Hours Route: PIN required
On-Call Staff: Assigned PINs
Result: Normal access during day, controlled at night

Implementation:

  1. Create Time Conditions:
Business Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Action: Route to "Outbound-No-PIN"

After Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 6:00 PM - 8:00 AM
- Saturday-Sunday: All day
- Holidays: All day
- Action: Route to "Outbound-PIN-Required"
  1. Create Routes:
Route: Outbound-No-PIN
Pattern: 9.
Time: Business Hours
PIN List: None
Trunk: Primary

Route: Outbound-PIN-Required
Pattern: 9.
Time: After Hours
PIN List: After Hours Access
Trunk: Primary
  1. Assign PINs:
On-Call Staff: 5 employees
PIN Assignment:
- Rotate weekly/monthly
- Include in on-call schedule
- Manager has permanent PIN
- Document in schedule

Benefits:

  • Normal daytime calling unaffected
  • After-hours controlled and logged
  • Prevents abuse and toll fraud
  • Clear accountability for night/weekend calls

Fraud Prevention

After-hours is prime time for toll fraud attacks. PIN requirement dramatically reduces risk and limits damage if fraud occurs.

Temporary Guest Access:

Scenario:

  • Contractors on-site for 3-month project
  • Need outbound calling access
  • Should automatically revoke after project ends

Solution:

Create temporary PINs
Set expiration date
Provide to contractors
Auto-disable after project
No manual cleanup needed

Implementation:

  1. Create Time-Limited PINs:
Contractor: John Contractor
Company: ABC Consulting
PIN: 482916
Valid From: 2025-01-15
Valid Until: 2025-04-15 (3 months)
Auto-Disable: Yes
Route Access: Domestic only (no international)
  1. Onboarding Process:
Day 1: Contractor arrives
- IT creates PIN with expiration
- Emails PIN + instructions
- Contractor tests immediately
- Documents temporary access
  1. During Project:
- Contractor uses PIN normally
- Usage logged to project code
- Costs allocated to project
- IT monitors for abuse
  1. Offboarding Process:
April 15: Expiration date
- PIN automatically disables
- No manual action required
- Final usage report generated
- PIN removed from list (optional)

Benefits:

  • No permanent access granted
  • Automatic expiration (no forgotten access)
  • Project-specific cost tracking
  • Security (limited duration)
  • Minimal IT overhead

Variations:

Short-Term Visitor (1 day):

PIN: 918273
Valid: Today only
Access: Local calls only
Expires: Midnight

Long-Term Contractor (1 year):

PIN: 645382
Valid: 12 months
Access: Domestic + limited international
Review: Quarterly (extend if needed)

Security Best Practice

Always use time-limited PINs for non-employees. Automatic expiration prevents forgotten access that becomes security vulnerability.


Best Practices

PIN List Recommendations

Follow these best practices for secure, manageable PIN authentication.

Security

  1. Random Generation: Generate PINs randomly, never sequential
  2. Sufficient Length: Use 6 digits minimum (8 for high-security)
  3. Avoid Patterns: No 123456, 111111, or common sequences
  4. Unique Per User: One PIN per user for accountability
  5. Don't Share: Prohibit PIN sharing in policy
  6. Secure Distribution: Send PINs via secure method (not plaintext email)
  7. Regular Changes: Update PINs every 6-12 months
  8. Monitor Failures: Alert on multiple failed attempts (fraud indicator)
  9. Lockout Policy: Implement after 3-5 failed attempts
  10. Incident Response: Have plan for suspected compromise

Management

  1. Document Assignments: Maintain accurate record of PIN assignments
  2. Audit Regularly: Review PIN list quarterly
  3. Remove Unused: Disable PINs for terminated employees immediately
  4. Expiration Dates: Use for temporary access
  5. Usage Reporting: Monthly reports of PIN usage
  6. Cost Allocation: Use for department/project billing
  7. Emergency Access: Have manager override PIN for emergencies
  8. Backup Access: Alternative method if PIN system fails

User Experience

  1. Clear Instructions: Provide simple, clear usage guide
  2. Training: Train users before deploying
  3. Quick Reference: Give users card/document with PIN
  4. Timeout Settings: 10-15 seconds (not too short)
  5. Retry Allowance: Allow 2-3 attempts for typos
  6. Helpful Prompts: Clear audio prompts guide users
  7. Support Access: Easy way to get help or reset PIN
  8. Minimal Friction: Only require PIN where truly needed

Compliance

  1. Logging: Log all PIN attempts (successful and failed)
  2. Retention: Keep logs 90 days minimum (longer if required)
  3. Audit Trail: Complete trail for compliance/forensics
  4. Privacy Policy: Document PIN usage in privacy policy
  5. Access Controls: Restrict PIN list access to admins
  6. Reporting: Regular reports for management/finance
  7. Incident Logging: Document security incidents involving PINs

Troubleshooting

Common Authentication Problems:

PIN Rejected:

Symptom: Valid PIN shows as invalid
Check:
- PIN enabled in list?
- Expiration date passed?
- User locked out?
- Correct PIN list on route?
- Typo in PIN entry?

Fix:
- Verify PIN status
- Check dates
- Unlock if needed
- Verify route config
- Test copy/paste PIN

No Prompt for PIN:

Symptom: Call proceeds without PIN request
Check:
- Route has PIN list assigned?
- Route priority correct (is it matched)?
- Time condition active?
- PIN list enabled?

Fix:
- Assign PIN list to route
- Check route matching order
- Verify time conditions
- Enable PIN list
- Test with trace/debug

Prompt but Doesn't Accept:

Symptom: System prompts but all PINs invalid
Check:
- PIN list referenced exists?
- PINs in list enabled?
- Format correct (digits only)?
- Database issue?

Fix:
- Verify list exists
- Check PIN status
- Test with known good PIN
- Restart authentication service
- Check database connectivity

Timeout Too Fast:

Symptom: Times out before user finishes
Check:
- Timeout setting (increase to 15 sec)
- User on slow connection?
- Audio delays on VoIP?

Fix:
- Increase timeout
- Test on same connection type
- Adjust for VoIP latency

Testing

Always test PIN authentication with real users on real devices. Lab testing doesn't reveal usability issues like timeout or prompt clarity.

PIN Management Problems:

Lost PIN Records:

Problem: Don't know which user has which PIN
Prevention:
- Document in spreadsheet/database
- Include in user profile
- Regular audits
Recovery:
- Check CDR logs for usage patterns
- Reset and reassign all PINs
- Implement better tracking going forward

Forgot to Disable Terminated User:

Problem: Ex-employee PIN still active
Risk: Unauthorized access, potential abuse
Detection: Review PIN list against HR records monthly
Fix:
- Immediate disable when notified
- Automated process with HR system
- Regular audits to catch missed

Too Many PINs to Manage:

Problem: 500 users, individual PINs overwhelming
Solutions:
1. Department PINs (trade accountability for simplicity)
2. Automated PIN management system
3. Integration with HR/AD
4. Self-service PIN portal

Can't Track Usage by User:

Problem: Department PINs don't show who called
Fix:
- Switch to user-specific PINs
- CDR shows extension + PIN
- Report by both dimensions
- Consider if accountability needed

PINs Expired En Masse:

Problem: Set all PINs to expire same date
Result: All international calling stopped
Prevention:
- Stagger expiration dates
- Automated renewal process
- Email warnings 30/14/7 days before
- Grace period after expiration

Termination Process

Disabling PINs for terminated employees must be part of offboarding checklist. Security vulnerability if forgotten.

Performance & Reliability:

Slow PIN Validation:

Symptom: Long delay after entering PIN
Causes:
- Database slow
- Large PIN list (1000s of entries)
- Network latency
- Authentication service overloaded

Fix:
- Optimize database queries (indexes)
- Cache PIN list in memory
- Reduce network round-trips
- Scale authentication service
- Monitor performance metrics

Service Outage:

Symptom: PIN authentication unavailable
Impact: All PIN-required calls fail
Prevention:
- Redundant authentication servers
- Database replication
- Health monitoring
- Automatic failover
Recovery:
- Restart authentication service
- Check database connectivity
- Review error logs
- Temporary: Disable PIN requirement

CDR Logging Failures:

Symptom: PIN usage not appearing in logs
Causes:
- CDR field not configured
- Database full
- Logging service down

Fix:
- Configure CDR to include PIN
- Increase database space
- Restart logging service
- Verify logs after fix

Concurrent Call Limit:

Symptom: PIN validation fails during high call volume
Cause: Authentication service bottleneck
Fix:
- Scale authentication service
- Increase concurrent connections
- Add load balancing
- Cache validation results

High Availability

PIN authentication is critical path for calls. Design for high availability with redundancy and monitoring.


Next Steps