How VoIP and VPN Services Combine for Better Security
Thanks to a bevy of advanced features, VoIP services have made a splash in the business industry. Checking voicemail straight off one’s email, holding conference calls with clients and employees across the world, and making long distance calls for a fraction of the price are all integral pieces to the business model of today.

Is VoIP secure?
VoIP calls work over Wi-Fi networks, thus improving sound quality and enhancing the VoIP experience. But, however up-to-date VoIP technology might be, the possibility of hacking and the question of security and safety will always be there. Wi-Fi networks are a soft target for experienced hackers. If business VoIPs aren’t careful and aren’t using secure connections, then they could be leaving themselves exposed to cyber threats such as hacking, unauthorized surveillance, identity theft, critical data loss, and much, much more.

Fortunately, there are ways of blocking and overcoming these infiltrators, with the most effective way of all being the VPN, Virtual Private Network.

Riding high on the VoIP tidal wave is a new entrant in the scene – VPN – and it might just be the best thing for businesses in today’s times. What a VPN offers businesses generally is better security, which is paramount to the success of a business. Read on to know how exactly the VPN system works and how, when combined with VoIP, it can do wonders for one’s business.

Workings of a VPN
How are phone calls and networks not secure? When it comes to phone calls, they’re typically not exactly secure. Since the beginnings of voice communication, wiretapping as a form of privacy breach has always been occurring. In fact, the earliest form of snooping happened with extra wires being physically inserted to the line between the subscriber and the switchboard and then listening. When it comes to today, everyone seems to think that while credit card numbers in clear text are vulnerable, the same is safe over a VoIP network – while it isn’t. This is why VPN is necessary for a safe and successful VoIP session.

Simplistically speaking, a VPN enables the creation of a safe tunnel via which users can transfer any kind of data in a safe and secure manner. Essentially, one is literally connecting virtually to a secured network the receiving end. Subsequently, a bridge is employed to connect the safe channel of a private network to the public network. Generally speaking, this is what happens:

• Firstly, the VoIP provider converts the message being sent (analog/sound waves) into digital signals.
• The message will be encapsulated in IP packets next.
• The encryption process is up next, which is essentially the first step to securing the data and information.
• Finally, these encrypted message packets are sent across via the secure VPN channels to maintain confidentiality. At the receiving end, the information that arrives is decrypted and converted back into its original analog form. Finally, it is sent to the computer or the phone in that form so it can receive it.

How does a VoIP combined with a VPN prove to be advantageous?
In today’s technology-riddled environment, adding to the VoIP a VPN layer allows businesses to create a security upgrade for their data and voice communications. Here are a few benefits of combining VoIP and VPN services:

• Top-notch security: Even though certain VoIP services (example Skype) claim to be encrypted, hackers have found ways of exploiting flaws and making wrong use of users’ information. A VPN enables your VoIP traffic to not be monitored by ISPs and restrictive governments and keeps conversations truly private, all equipped with military-grade encryption.
• Ease of communication: Apart from the obvious security layer, a VoIP VPN eliminates certain complications which could arise due to firewall technologies. Sometimes, SIP protocol (VoIP used in processes such as cellphone VoIP) movement via networks with advanced firewalls becomes quite a difficult task. A VPN takes care of firewall issues by enabling clients within the same network to move virtually within the VoIP server.
• Better deals: If one connects their VoIP to a VPN server in the US, one can get unlimited landline and mobile minutes for as less as $2.99/month. If two ends use the same VoIP service, then free international calls via the internet are also possible.
• Complete freedom: With VoIP being so private and affordable to a degree, certain governments over the world have blocked them altogether. While some restrict access because it benefits the telecom companies and their profits, others do so to forbid getting around censorship laws or exchanging confidential information. If you’re a business simply intent on conducting your business services, then a VoIP VPN helps you bypass such hurdles, offering businesses the freedom to use VoIP services with peace of mind.