Are VoIP Calls Encrypted and Secure?
It seems like every day we hear about another system breach which results in the exposure of personal and confidential data. The FBI estimates that billions of dollars are lost each year by security breaches. It’s critical when you select a VoIP provider that it uses the latest encryption techniques to avoid privacy breaches and prevent eavesdropping.
Are My VoIP Phone Calls Secure?
VoIP breaks your analog voice call into data packets. When these packets are transmitted through the internet, they require a transport protocol. SRTP (Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol) provides encryption, message authentication, and replay attack protection. SRTP is a cryptographic protocol. It applies algorithms to encrypt the information as it is transmitted. The information is decrypted upon arrival. This makes it incredibly difficult to intercept mid-stream.
SRTP uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to protect the privacy of VoIP calls. That is the same standard used by banks and financial institutions and the United States government to protect their information.
SRTP Privacy Features
- AES Encryption
- Message authentication
- Replay protection
With SRTP, even if someone were to somehow intercept the call, they would be unable to decipher it. It would be unrecognizable as speech.
Another for of privacy encryption is called TLS (Transport Layer Security). TLS can be implemented in addition to SRTP. Using TLS scrambles call data including phone numbers, Caller ID, and usernames.
- TLS Privacy Features
- Key exchange
- Symmetric encryption
- Message authentication codes
- In selecting a VoIP provider, make sure they use both industry-standard TLS and SRTP to encrypt your calls and provide maximum protection.
What About Privacy Compliance?
In addition to concerns about someone intercepting your calls, many industries also must adhere to strict compliance regulations. Healthcare providers must make sure confidential medical information is secure.HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations require complaint protocols are put in place and certified. Financial institutions have to abide by SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley) rules.
It is also critical that you use a VoIP provider that can adhere to industry-specific compliance regulations and can certify they are compliant for your records.
Can Someone Tap My VoIP Phones?
Legally, the answer is no. If law enforcement personnel want to listen to your phone calls, they must first obtain a wiretap order. They must make their case to a judge and prove there is probable cause in order to tap your phones. The probable cause statute has high standards and authorities must present evidence they believe eavesdropping will help them solve a serious crime, such as money laundering, terrorism, or drug trafficking. Even when orders are issued, they are usually limited in scope to only communications about specific offences.
Won’t My VPN Handle Encryption?
Some companies rely on their VPN (Virtual Private Network). VPN provides a secure “tunnel” between two or more devices. They also use a large amount of bandwidth as the encrypt all of the data and transmit it back and forth. VPNs require significant computer processing power and can slow down both your computer and internet connections.
This can quickly degrade the quality of the VoIP call. Users may experience latency issues, lost connections, and have difficulty hearing calls.
What Are Zero-Day Attacks?
Zero-day attacks have been in the news a lot lately. The name comes from hackers that exploit known or discovered software bugs before they are patched by the manufacturer. Even a one day delay installing a patch or upgrade to your software and hardware systems can open you up to the zero-day attacks. Using a hosted IP provider, like 8x8, means they handle system upgrades without delay.
Protect Your Business: Encrypt Your Calls
8x8 uses industry-leading encryption technology to protect your calls and data. Using advanced cryptographic techniques, including TLS and SRTP/AES, 8x8 employs the same encryption techniques that are used by the U.S. government to protect and secure its data. Secure Voice / Strong Voice Encryption keep private conversations private.
Encryption is added at no extra charge to your hosted VoIP system and includes calls on handsets, desktop computer, laptops, smartphones, and other mobile devices that are part of your communications network.
A Reliable, Compliant, and Secure Cloud VoIP Solution
When it comes to VoIP, 8x8 provides a reliable and compliant cloud solution at a demanding level rarely seen by other cloud providers. Don't take your chances with a subpar cloud-based telecom system. Call 1-866-879-8647 or fill out an online form to request a no-obligation quote from an 8x8 product specialist.
