How to Encrypt VoIP

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a way of routing phone conversations over the Internet instead of a traditional phone line. Anyone can call internationally using a VoIP phone. However, like computer networks, VoIP networks are vulnerable to attacks. VoIP signals travel over the Internet in unencrypted packets. Malicious hackers can intercept and use these packets to record your conversation. Learn how to encrypt VoIP and keep your conversations private.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Install Zfone software on your VoIP client. Zfone is free software you can download from the Internet, and this software is easy to install and simple to use. Zfone encrypts to voice packets that are sent from your VoIP phone over the Internet. However, in order for a call to be secured, both the sending and receiving clients must have the software installed.

2. Approach your VoIP provider and find out if they provide built-in encryption for VoIP clients. Many providers are responding to the security concerns of their customers by providing built-in encryption not only for VoIP calls but text messaging, video, file transfer and email.

3. Investigate Transport Layer Security (TLS). TLS encrypts the information that passes between two VoIP clients. The TLS method of encryption is more efficient because it utilizes less bandwidth on the network.

4. Investigate Secure Real-Time Transfer Protocol (SRTP). SRTP creates a unique encryption key for every call made. This makes any type of packet interception or eavesdropping impossible.

5. Evaluate Virtual Private Network (VPN). Adding VoIP to a VPN allows secured calls to be made over the VPN from remote locations. This is ideal for businesses that communicate from different offices over a wide area.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware that VoIP signals travel over the Internet in unencrypted packets. Malicious hackers can intercept and use these packets to record your conversation.