Instruction manual

Features and Services
Remote Initialization and Maintenance Service (RIMS)
Description
Remote Initialization and Maintenance Service (RIMS) provides an AT&T technician remote access
to System 25. Using the RIMS feature, the technician can do System 25 initialization, ongoing
administration, and maintenance.
The remote administrator can initialize translations after the system is installed. Unless a hardware
change is required, the remote administrator can do ongoing administration without having to visit
the customers site. Similarly, to troubleshoot a problem, a technician can call the RIMS port and
check the Error Log to determine the probable cause of the trouble. The technician can clear
alarms remotely and decide whether a service dispatch is necessary.
Considerations
RIMS may not be available in some areas of the country.
Security Consideration
Potential Abuse of the Feature
Unauthorized access could disrupt your system programming or activate features that would permit
making long distance calls through-System 25.
Techniques for Minimizing Abuse
1. The System Administration capability of System 25 is protected by a password. Follow secure
password procedures as described below:
Choosing Passwords
Passwords should be as many digits as possible, and should not be obvious. Avoid those with
ascending digits (e.g., 1234), the same digits (e.g., 0000), digits corresponding to the
employee’s name (e.g., 5646 for John), the current year (e.g., 1993), the same number as
extension (e.g., extension 3455, password 3455), reverse extension (e.g., extension 3455,
password 5543), numbers that identify the user (e.g., social security, employee ID, room
number, etc.)
Establishing a Policy
As a safeguard against toll fraud, change passwords frequently. Set password expiration times
and tell users when the changes go into effect. Changing passwords routinely on a specific
date (such as the first of the month), helps users to remember to do so.
2-278
November 1995