Are VOIP calls secure?

The shift from traditional, land-locked phone lines to virtual VOIP options has led businesses and families to consider new phone services. Transmitting phone calls over IP, however, requires a careful evaluation of the potential security issues: VOIP offers effective, quality connections that require special implementation to ensure fully secure connections.

Especially in cases of confidential business communications, VOIP security is crucial – business calls can involve financial and strategy information that you will make sure to safeguard. The advantages of VOIP are numerous, but it’s important to make a careful assessment of the potential security implications. Today, the technology is more secure than ever before – complete, 128-bit line encryption is available by many providers who can provide lines that are as secure as traditional phone lines. These advanced security features require you to make special requests with your provider, so always evaluate the service carefully.

Having an encryption layer on your VOIP line will ensure that packets sent over the Internet cannot be easily read or intercepted. This is an important consideration, but it’s also important to have a secure firewall that limits access to individuals within your network. A secure firewall can ensure that only authentic packets are being transmitted from and into your VOIP line – this is an important consideration for business conversations.

In addition to a secure firewall, you’ll want to protect your VOIP line with a variety of security tools, including user IP authorization, dual authentication (requiring qualitative data to ensure both parties are genuine), transport layer security (SSL assurances) and secure real-time protocol which encrypts inbound and outbound voice communications.