How to Encrypt VoIP to Avoid Wiretapping

VoIP encryption is a top concern for businesses today.

With critical business systems being compromised each year, securing private data is becoming more and more important. Networks that connect to others, like voice over Internet protocol, or VoIP, especially need to take into account the security environment of their partners. Common VoIP threats include VoIP packet modification, in which voice signals are altered; network eavesdropping, by which hackers access calls in transit; VoIP toll fraud (theft of long-distance services); hacking of voice mails; spoofing or masquerading in calls; data theft; and packet injection, by which hackers add additional content to VoIP calls. Encrypting VoIP traffic--making the calls and data unreadable to unauthorized persons--across networks is of top concern for many businesses that use this technology.

Instructions

Using Zfone

1. Download and install Zfone, a free software that is relatively easy to install. It works with existing VoIP clients, defends against call hijacks and spoofing and tells the owner which calls are secure and which aren't.

2. Send your call recipient a message and ask him or her to install Zfone. Both users have to have the software installed to guarantee security.

3. Call and find out if your recipient is using VoIP. Calls to a destination that is not using a VoIP service will not be secure with Zfone.

Built-in Encryption

1. Investigate the capabilities of the software you are currently using. Skype, for example, has built-in encryption that is secure for calls, texts and file transfers. Use the product's online documentation, website or built-in help files.

2. Ask if your VoIP client provides call encryption. Some may not offer this information publicly for safety reasons.

3. Send your recipient a message alerting her of the software you are using. Urge her to switch to the same software to ensure a secure connection.

TLS

1. Research transport layer security (TLS) and IP security (IPSec) on the Internet. Find out how TLS and IPSec, techniques that are employed in VoIP security, work.

2. Do searches on how businesses encrypt their VoIP calls using the techniques mentioned earlier and how they implement them in their different environments.

3. Gather information from these businesses about the best VoIP clients to use for implementation.

Using VPN

1. Set up a network of computers. Ensure that the network uses gateway servers or proxies. These are computers that act as entrances to other networks.

2. Enable the virtual private network encryption. This is an option that allows a private network to use the Internet by attaching encryption keys to the data, making it indecipherable on transit. A built-in encryption device is used to secure the data. Ensure the network gateways are set up appropriately or the device will not encrypt the data.

3. Search and download a software encryption mechanism to increase security.

Tips & Warnings

• For maximum security, ensure that your VoIP network uses more than one encryption mechanism.

References

• VoIP Now: How to Encrypt Your VoIP
• Search Unified Communications: VoIP Encryption

Resources

• Zfone: Zfone Download
• Home Network Setup: Setting up a Computer Network