The remote configuration of a telephony device is managed by transmitting configuration data to the device. The data is transmitted via a data communication network. One of more service credentials are received. The credentials are authenticated. A configuration time period is activated in response to authentication of the credentials. A request for configuration data is received via the network, which includes identification data indicative that the request is from a telephony device associated with the credentials. It is determined how to proceed with processing of the request dependent on whether the request is received during the time period. If so, configuration data is transmitted via the network in response to the request. If the request is received after the time period, transmission of configuration data via the network in response to the request is inhibited.