Government wiretapping laws have been expanded since September 11th, but the instances of lawful wiretapping are extremely rare. More commonly today, wiretaps and eavesdropping on phone systems is done mostly by criminals, looking to steal account information, eavesdrop on private conversations for blackmailing, and many other insidious reasons that criminals can only think of. Traditional phone lines are more difficult to tap, as they usually require hardware splicing to create a tap that’s inaudible and hard to locate. Also, you can call phone service providers and inquire into whether or not your phone lines are tapped. With VoIP, phone systems are far more vulnerable and physically unverifiable unless you (1) really know what you’re doing and (2) know what to look for. Also, the rampant world of worms, spyware, and viruses has moved into VoIP systems, which pose an extreme threat themselves in the software of small business VoIP and PBX networks. There are some things you can do to make your VoIP system safe and impenetrable by criminals.
One of the easiest things you can do to encrypt your VoIP system is to purchase software specially made for encrypting business VoIP systems. One example of this kind of software is the new ZFone. ZFone is simple to use, and is fully open-sourced. Muzu’s VoIP Tunnel is available to not only individual customers, but also to entire VoIP providers. VoIP Tunnel enables you to communicate confidentially and the VoIP traffic cannot be sniffed and blocked by third party agencies or corporate firewalls. Skype comes with an on-site encryption along with its service as well. In fact, if you purchase your service from a VoIP provider, chances are that you’re already encrypted and protected.
For on-site hosted VoIP PBX systems, taking great care to completely protect the central computer that your PBX system is loaded onto is important. This includes full security safeguards and excellent anti-virus software, ensuring that worms, spyware, and viruses can’t get into your VoIP system. Another way to ensure that your central computer for your VoIP PBX is to make sure that the only thing you’re doing with your central computer is using it for your VoIP. Avoid using it for internet browsing or checking e-mails. This will greatly help you avoid leaks into your VoIP system.
There are lots of ways you can encrypt your business VoIP system. Taking extra care and realizing that even though VoIP us a great technology and a fantastic advancement in business telephony, it’s also got its weaknesses. A good VoIP system requires that you know how to keep it protected at all times, so that your business isn’t put at risk by criminals looking to steal information that your business relies on, and personal information that you rely on. If you’re buying VoIP from a provider, use their encryption services. If you’re hosting your own, make sure you’ve got your central system set up and protected properly. With these safeguards, you’ll have a telephone system that’s not only extremely affordable, but also perfectly safe.
