Using Pin Codes for Call Barring

Protecting outbound calls with a pin code is a common feature on PBX systems.

A typical approach may require a user to dial their pincode prior to the outbound DID, or encourage the user to enter a pin code after they dial an outbound DID. This is likely to be a suitable approach in instances where the user is expected to place calls regularly, but needs the calls to be associated to their pin code. It also provides some level of security. The setup of this kind of pin code is described here.

The approach above features some limitations, in that no internal association of the user and the pin is made. It relies on the use of outbound call prefixes to be interpreted as pins, so potential complications arise when adding and removing users.

This article will focus on the "Enable Pin Protect" feature, which is available from the Options page of each extension's configuration.

This is a much stronger security feature than traditional pin protection, however, this increased security comes with a small decrease in usability.

Behaviour

An extension on which the pin protect feature is enabled will be unable to place outbound calls without first dialing a pin code feature, and entering a pin code. Upon the successful entry of a pin code, the extension associated with the pin code will become eligible to place outbound calls for a particular duration, after which the extension's access to outbound calling is revoked.

The pin code to access this feature is the same as their voicemail pin, which is visible on the Voicemail page of the extension's configuration.

Configuration

To enable this feature, navigate to the extensions section of the 3CX GUI, and select the desired extension. Select the Options tab of the extension's configuration, from which the Pin Protect feature is controlled. Enable the feature, and enter a duration in seconds

Usage

To use this feature, a user should dial 7777. They will be prompted for their PIN. Upon entering their pin correctly, they will hear a prompt explaining that outbound calling access has been granted. The call will end. The user will then be able to place outbound calls for a particular length of time, as configured in the duration field when enabling the feature.