Outbound Call Security

Outbound Call Security is the last line of defense in multi-layered security strategy, restricting outbound calls from Yeastar P-Series Software Edition based on a set of pre-defined rules and minimizing the losses caused by toll fraud if there is any. You can enhance outbound call security by restricting Outbound Route Permission, PIN Code, Time Condition, Country / Region, Phone Number, Call Frequency, Concurrent Calls, and Call Duration.

Restrict Outbound Dialing by Outbound Route Permission

Employees perform different tasks in a company, and not all of them need to make outbound calls. When configuring the PBX for outbound dialing, consider setting different outbound routes for different trunks (e.g. local, long-distance, international, etc.), and assign outbound route permission only to the extension users that require the use of it.

Restrict Outbound Dialing by PIN Code

Set password for outbound route to require callers to enter a PIN code before dialing out. Only when a valid PIN code is entered can the call be routed out through the outbound route.

You can set a single PIN or multiple PINs for an outbound route.

Set a single PIN for an outbound route
  1. Go to Call Control > Outbound Route, edit the desired outbound route.
  2. In the Outbound Route Password drop-down list, select Single PIN and set a PIN code.

  3. Click Save and Apply.
Set multiple PINs for an outbound route
  1. Create a PIN list on Call Features > PIN List.

  2. Link the PIN list to outbound route on Call Control > Outbound Route > Outbound Route Password.

  3. Click Save and Apply.

Restrict Outbound Dialing by Time Condition

Hacking attempts are usually made during non-business hours, over weekends, and during holiday periods when the system is less attended. You can configure different outbound call restriction rules for different time periods to reinforce security. For example, you might create a Time Condition called “Business Hours”, and only allow outbound calls during business hours by applying the Time Condition to an outbound route, as shown below.

  1. Create a Time Condition on Call Control > Business Hours and Holidays.

  2. Apply the Time Condition to an outbound route.
    1. Go to Call Control > Outbound Route.
    2. In the Time Condition section, select a time condition to limit when outbound calls can be made using the outbound route.

    3. Click Save and Apply.
Note: For detailed introduction and instruction about Time Condition, see Overview of Business Hours and Holidays.

Restrict Outbound Dialing by Country / Region

If your company is engaged in international business and your employees need to interact with partners or customers over the phone, you can set up international dialing on the PBX. However, this puts your system in the danger of international toll fraud and may result in significant financial loss.

To mitigate the risk, we recommend that you restrict the international dialing permission only to the extension users and countries /regions that are required.

  1. Grant international dialing permission to the desired extension user.
    1. Go to Extension and Trunk > Extension, edit the desired extension.
    2. Under Security tab, unselect the checkbox of Disallow International Calls.

    3. Click Save and Apply.
  2. Enable international dialing to the desired countries or regions.

    1. Go to Security > Security Settings > Allowed Country Codes.
    2. Turn on the switch of Enable Allowed Country/Region Code Dialing Protection.
    3. In the International Dialing Code field, enter the dialing prefix of international call for your country.
    4. In the Operations column, enable the desired country or region.
    5. Click Apply.
  3. Ensure that there is at least one outbound route that matches the international dialing code and is available for the extension user to dial out.

Restrict Outbound Dialing by Phone Number

Toll fraud happens when someone gains access to your phone system and generates a high volume of calls to premium rate numbers. As a result, fraudsters take revenues generated from these calls, while you get a costly telephone bill. It is advisable to restrict outbound calls to such premium rate numbers. This can be achieved by blocking specific phone numbers or number patterns.

  1. Go to Call Features > Blocked/Allowed Numbers > Blocked Numbers.
  2. Click Add to add the phone numbers that users can not dial out.
    Tip: You can enter specific numbers or number patterns. For detailed introduction about number pattern, see Number Pattern.

  3. Click Save and Apply.

Restrict Outbound Dialing by Frequency of Calls

Limit the number of outbound calls that extension users can make within a certain time period. When the limit is reached, any further outbound calls from the extension will be denied.

Yeastar P-Series Software Edition has a default rule, restricting that each extension user can make up to 5 outbound calls per second. You can use the default rule, or customize a rule and associate it with the desired extension users.

  1. Create a custom restriction rule.
    1. Go to Security > Security Rules > Outbound Call Frequency Restriction.
    2. Click Add to add a rule.

    3. Click Save.
  2. Associate the custom rule with desired extension users.
    1. Go to Extension and Trunk > Extension, edit the desired extension.
    2. Under Security tab, select the custom rule from the drop-down list of Outbound Call Frequency Restriction.

    3. Click Save and Apply.

Restrict Outbound Calling by Concurrent Calls

Limit the number of simultaneous outbound calls on SIP trunks, so as to prevent fraudsters from generating a high volume of calls over the trunks without limitation.

  1. Go to Extension and Trunk > Trunk, edit the desired SIP trunk.
  2. Under Advanced tab, select or enter a value in the Maximum Concurrent Calls field.

  3. Click Save and Apply.

Restrict Outbound Calling by Call Duration

Set restrictions on the duration of outbound calls to automatically end calls when reaching the specified time limit, this will help you prevent potential misuse of the phone system and control call costs.

You can implement call duration control on a global basis or on a per-user basis.

Limit Outbound Call Duration for All Users (Global Setting)
  1. Go to PBX Settings > Preferences.
  2. In the Basic section, select or enter a value in the Max Call Duration (s) field.

  3. Click Save and Apply.
Limit Outbound Call Duration for Specific Users (Per-User Setting)
  1. Go to Extension and Trunk > Extension, edit the desired extension.
  2. Under Security tab, select a value from the drop-down list of Max Outbound Call Duration (s).

  3. Click Save and Apply.