Abstract: A security system for cordless telephones prevents unauthorized telephone lls over telephone lines. The system includes a base unit and a cordless handset unit which must share common information for proper operation. To prevent an unauthorized user in possession of a handset unit from easily matching a security code stored in the base unit and thereby obtain dial tone therefrom, the security code in the base unit is transferred to the handset unit while the handset unit is in a mating cradle in the base unit. Transfer circuits in the base unit and the handset unit respectively transmit and receive the security code and also an operating frequency channel over a direct-current charging path provided for charging of a battery in the handset unit whenever the handset unit is returned to the cradle.