Multi Factor Authentication
privacy policy, security, hacker @ Pixabay

how to encrypt cell phone calls

Top Practices to Encrypt Your Phone Communications

To ensure productivity, it is crucial to communicate via phone calls or text messages at work. Many organizations allow employees to work remotely in the post-COVID-19 age. Mobile devices will continue to be critical for sharing sensitive information via various communication channels, including SMS messages, VoIP calls, and regular phone calls.

Malicious cyber-attackers often target android phones and mobile devices without encryption protection. Checkpoint’s Mobile Security Report revealed that nearly all companies were subject to cyberattacks. These attacks targeted mobile phones, mobile applications, mobile communications, and communications made over a mobile network. The report highlighted the importance of using encryption to make secure calls.

  1. Minimum 46% of companies employ employees who use mobile devices to download dangerous applications. These apps are used by hackers to monitor unencrypted audio and video calls.
  2. More than 40% of mobile devices that have internet access (both android and IOS) are vulnerable to inherent vulnerabilities in their operating system.
  3. Globally, 97% of companies are vulnerable to threats that compromise their secure phones. Dependence on mobile devices and wireless networks can lead to an increased attack surface, potentially exposing users to multiple attacks.

Importance of Secure Voice Calls at Work

For data protection and privacy, secure communications are vital. An organization can have peace of mind by using call encryption to ensure that no malicious cyber actors can intercept or steal sensitive information sent over an insecure internet connection. Encrypting phone calls is not only a proactive approach to cybersecurity but also provides security and privacy for all parties.

Encrypting mobile phone calls is essential to ensure secure messaging, file transfers, and complete privacy. Mobile phone encryption is also necessary to address privacy concerns for mobile users, as security experts agree that hackers use middle attacks to steal personal information.

Common phone communication methods

1. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

VoIP, a standard for calling users via voice or video, is the most popular call communication technology. Since VoIP calls can be made via the internet, providers such as zoom or Skype have been essential in this post-pandemic period. To ensure secure communication, however, it is essential to have sufficient network security as well as call encryption measures. Unencrypted VoIP communications can be intercepted by attackers, especially if they’re done over unsecured wireless networks.

Unencrypted VoIP poses security risks for companies because it integrates CRM systems with analytics platforms. Organizations should use VoIP providers that use end-to-end encryption and deploy secure wireless networks with TLS security, enable Secure Real-time Transport Protocol, and have two-factor authentication in place to protect against unauthorized use.

2. Landlines

Due to the increased mobility and accessibility to internet services, landlines are often not used. Landlines can be secure because only one line connects callers at each end. While wiretapping is a threat, it’s usually not possible to execute them if you don’t have the resources to do so. However, landline security threats are real and businesses should take adequate protection measures. Secure phones that allow voice calls to be implemented are a common way to increase security on landline calls. To protect sensitive communications from prying eyes, both callers must use encrypted phones.

3. Cell phones

The majority of communication has been replaced by cell phones in all spheres worldwide. Cell phone communication has increased due to convenience, security, and low costs. Cell phones communicate via network signals and anyone with the necessary knowledge can intercept them. Many encryption methods allow confidential data to be transmitted without fear of being intercepted. Implemented encryption techniques are crucial for cell phone communications security. This section explains the various ways that cell phone users can decrypt different types of communication.

Recommendations for Encrypting Phone Communications

1. How to Encrypt Voice and Video Calls

Signal, a smartphone, and desktop encryption app is widely used to protect user privacy. The open-source app has been recommended by many security experts, including academic cryptographers and security analysts such as Edward Snowden. Signal users can use the application to make encrypted Signal voice or video calls. WhatsApp, the most popular messenger platform, also uses Signal’s encryption protocols to make video and voice calls. It is suitable for secure communication. Organizations can also use Wire to make encrypted group phone calls. This is a vital feature for protecting sensitive details during a conference call.

2. Encrypting Email Communications

Because of its ease and dependability, email communication is one of the most popular methods for sharing sensitive data. But attackers have come up with many ways to intercept emails. Multiple email clients have built-in encryption protocols to protect secret conversations. To send encrypted emails, users can use Enigmail to integrate with Mozilla’s Thunderbird email program. Mailvelope, a browser plugin, can also be installed to encrypt Gmail mail messages. Protonmail mail provides an encrypted end-to-end email service, but all users must create Protonmail accounts to securely send email messages.

3. Encrypting data at rest in cell phones

The majority of smartphone users around the world use Android or iPhone. They store terabytes worth of sensitive information, which can be used to attract hackers or disgruntled family members and friends. Protecting personal information from unauthorized access is essential by encrypting data at rest. Smartphone storage encryption is quite simple. Smartphones allow full-disk encryption. This allows you to set a strong passcode that can protect your data. Users can also use biometrics such as fingerprints to encrypt or secure their stored information.

4. Encrypting test messages

Modern messaging platforms offer end-to-end encryption protocols that prevent cybercriminals from intercepting messages. Signal and WhatsApp are two of the most well-known messaging platforms for their message encryption standards. Facebook’s Secret Conversations protect data sent through the Instant Messaging app. Other messaging services allow users to sign up even without a phone number. These apps are highly recommended for users who want some autonomy. Downloading communication apps from third-party vendors rather than official vendors can pose security risks, such as insufficient encryption or backdoors that allow data exfiltration.