Can VoIP Calls Be Intercepted?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has become an increasingly popular method of communication, both for personal and professional use. However, this technology is not without its risks, and one of the most pressing questions is whether VoIP calls can be intercepted.

The answer is yes, VoIP calls can be intercepted. As VoIP calls are transmitted over the internet, they are vulnerable to interception in the same way that any other data transmitted over the internet is vulnerable. This means that intercepting a VoIP call is possible, although it is not an easy task and requires a certain level of technical expertise.

One common method of intercepting VoIP calls is through a technique known as “packet sniffing.” This involves capturing the packets of data that make up the VoIP call as they travel across the internet. Once the packets have been captured, the attacker can potentially listen to or even manipulate the call, swapping in their own packets in transit.

Attackers can also exploit vulnerabilities in the software or hardware used to transmit the call, or conduct a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack, on the computer or network being used to handle the call on either side. This involves intercepting and relaying the communication between the two parties, allowing the attacker to listen in on the call.

Despite these risks, there are steps that can be taken to protect VoIP calls from interception. One of the most effective methods is to use encryption to protect the call. Encryption involves converting the VoIP call into a code that can only be deciphered by someone with the encryption key, making it much more difficult for an attacker to eavesdrop on the call.

Most of the leading VoIP services, including RingCentral, offer encryption as standard. But it doesn’t harm to add another layer, with a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which encrypts all data that passes through it, including VoIP calls, making it difficult for attackers to intercept the call. We recommend ExpressVPN, the one we use, for its suite of security tools. 

ExpressVPN uses strong encryption protocols, which can help to prevent eavesdropping and protect the privacy of your VoIP calls. It also has  servers in many countries around the world, which can help to improve call quality and reduce latency. This is particularly important for businesses that rely on VoIP calls for communication with clients around the world.