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From: Jim.Redelfs@iugate.unomaha.edu (Jim Redelfs)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Re: What are Secure Lines?
Message-ID: <16014@accuvax.nwu.edu>
Date: 12 Jan 91 08:58:39 GMT
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X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 11, Issue 29, Message 5 of 10


> There is no such thing as a "secure line" for a phone call. Once it's
> out on lines in areas not totally controlled by your own trusted
> people, it's public.

> Never say ANYTHING on the black {i.e. non-STU} phone you don't want to read
> about tomorrow in the {Washington Post}.

Although your was an EXCELLENT discussion of the "how to" and "why use
a" secure (a) line, but it sure makes ordinary loops sound virtually
non-private!

Virtually everything I have heard in the course of my years has not
been memorable, yet ordinary subscribers are increasing concerned
about the security of their ordinary transmissions!

I had a new-home installation recently where the subscriber insisted
that the Network Interface be placed INSIDE the home, and that the
dropwire enter the foundation BELOW grade!  The customer's primary
concern was the integrity of his home security system.

After two hours and a dozen calls, we (US WEST Communications/NE)
acquiesed and accomodated the customer.  I explained that all a
reasonably skilled burglar would have to do was to simply walk out to
the wirepost in front and cut the line.  He was not swayed.

Another customer had their security system installer build a wooden
box around the protector housing and (drop) riser tube, complete with
magnetic switch!  Explaining to the customer that two minutes (or
less) with a tile spade would circumvent THAT safeguard (dig up and
cut the shallow drop).

In my (not yet) vast experience, I have encountered only ONE "tap" and
it was merely a (convicted) case of "Theft of Services"!!

Has there been much (any) traffic here regarding unauthorized entry
into residential SNIs (Standard (telephone) Network Interfaces -
complete with working, RJllC jack) on the backs of homes?  I recall
seeing a short bit about it on CNN Headline News a couple of years
ago.

Our SNI vendor (Seicor) finally replaced the "can wrench" bolt with
the Allen/Torx-like-headed bolt.  GREAT!  Just another tool to carry
to the back of each house!


JR

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