SECURITY

"Encrypting Your VoIP Network for a Secure Connection"

Contributed By Laura Rucker

The security of VoIP networks have been the subject of much debate. With internet hacking at an all-time high these days, VoIP users have every right to be concerned their user information, phone services or even their phone calls are being listened to. Because of this risk, individuals and businesses find this one of the stumbling blocks to VoIP implementation.

Since VoIP calls are made digitally, they are easier to tap into than a traditional phone line. So someone with the right access and knowledge can listen to what you have to say. While most residential VoIP users, unless they are sharing financial data, would find it embarrassing if they knew someone was listening to their calls, for businesses, tapping into their VoIP system could be disastrous.

No matter what the stakes are, privacy is important. Even though the thought of snooping into your business or residential VoIP network seems violating, it's a fairly simple task to ensure your VoIP's security.

The following are application choices for encrypting your VoIP network:

Zfone:  Check out Zfone, which is software that secures your VoIP network by encrypting calls. They offer a free beta version which is easy to install and use. The downside is only calls made to other Zfone users are protected.

- Service Provider Encryption:  Check with your VoIP service provider to see if they offer their own encryption software.

- Transport Layer Security & IP Security:  Authenticate your server with Transport Layer Security (TLS) and IP Security (IPsec). These are two simple encryption methods for VoIP calls. TLS encrypts data transferred between two applications while IPsec encrypts information for the devices and their applications.

- Secure Real-Time Transfer Protocol:  Authenticate Secure Real-Time Transfer Protocol (SRTP). SRPT protects VoIP calls by creating an encryption key for each call, without affecting call quality.

- Virtual Private Network:  Enable Virtual Private Network (VPN) Encryption. While your business's VPN should come with a built-in encryption device, it will only secure data from gateway to gateway. Also, your LAN calls will require additional security.

- Session Initiation Protocol:  Session initiation protocol is the standard choice for VoIP and other IP communications. VoIP network administrators are concerned with allowing SIP calls through a firewall while securing the network. SIP works with other protocols like HTTP and SMTP to integrate the much needed security measures. SIP trunking can securely connect SIP users with callers on a traditional phone system.

In summary, make sure your VoIP network uses one or more of the above mentioned encryption applications. Your personal or business information is only meant for those you want to share it with. Take the necessary steps to prevent your information from getting into the wrong hands. Contact your VoIP service provider today to ensure your VoIP network has a secure connection.