Communications line security device

A communications line security device for securing the connection between a caller and a piece of terminal equipment, the communications line security device comprising:

• a) a controller;
• b) a first caller source information receiver electrically connected between the controller and an authentication line;
• c) a DTMF receiver electrically connected between the controller and the authentication line which decodes DTMF data on the authentication line for the controller;
• d) a second caller source identification receiver electrically connected between the controller and a communications line;
• and
• e) a relay electrically connected between the caller and the piece of terminal equipment in the communications line which provides, when open, a physical disconnection between the caller and the piece of terminal equipment, the relay electrically connected to and controlled by the controller.

A method for securing a piece of terminal equipment on a communications line from unauthorized access using a device including a controller, an authentication line, a communications path and a relay providing a physical disconnection in the communications path, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) receiving a call from a source on the authentication line;
• b) checking information regarding the source of the call on the authentication line;
• c) answering the authentication line and receiving an authentication code from the caller;
• d) validating the authentication code using the controller;
• e) receiving a call from the source on the communications line;
• f) checking information regarding the source of the call on the communications line to ensure that the information matches that received on the authentication line;
• and
• g) closing the relay to complete the communications path using the controller.