Call Encryption

    Every Call.Encrypted.By Default.

    SRTP media encryption and TLS 1.3 signaling protection are built into every Big Sky Telecom account - no extra cost, no configuration required. Your calls are private from the moment they leave your device.

    SRTP
    Media Encryption
    TLS 1.3
    Signaling Security
    AES-256
    Fax Encryption
    Always On
    No Extra Cost
    Secure server infrastructure powering encrypted calling
    Encryption Status
    TLS 1.3 Active
    SRTP Enabled
    Keys: Ephemeral
    No Extra Cost
    Encryption Protocols

    Three Layers of Protection - Signaling, Media & Storage

    Full encryption at every stage of the call lifecycle - from the SIP handshake to long-term recording storage.

    Signaling
    TLS 1.3

    Transport Layer Security encrypts all SIP signaling between your devices and our platform - call setup, teardown, DTMF tones, and metadata. Prevents interception of who called whom and when.

    Encrypts SIP INVITE, BYE, and all call control messages
    Prevents caller ID spoofing via authenticated handshake
    Forward secrecy via ECDHE key exchange - past sessions can't be decrypted even if keys are later compromised
    TLS 1.3 eliminates legacy cipher vulnerabilities (RC4, 3DES, etc.)
    Media
    SRTP

    Secure Real-time Transport Protocol encrypts the actual audio stream - the voice data packets themselves. Even if a packet is intercepted on the network, it's indecipherable without the session key.

    AES-128 or AES-256 encryption of voice payload
    Unique session key per call - no shared key reuse
    HMAC-SHA1 authentication prevents packet injection
    Seamless - no perceptible latency added to voice quality
    Storage (Fax & Recording)
    AES-256

    Call recordings and cloud fax documents are encrypted at rest using AES-256. Keys are managed separately from data - access requires both the encrypted file and the key, which are stored independently.

    AES-256-CBC encryption for all stored recordings
    Fax documents encrypted immediately on receipt
    Key management separated from data storage
    Secure deletion upon retention policy expiry
    End-to-End Encryption Architecture
    Your Device
    Softphone / IP Phone
    TLS 1.3
    Signaling encrypted
    SRTP
    Voice encrypted
    BST Platform
    Geo-redundant
    PSTN handoff
    Remote Party
    Mobile / Landline / VoIP
    Encrypted (SRTP / TLS)
    Standard PSTN (unencrypted beyond BST)
    AES-256 at rest (recordings & fax)
    How It Works

    From Dial to Disconnect - Nothing Is Exposed

    Encryption is automatic and invisible to users. From the first SIP packet to the last RTP frame, every element of your call is protected without any extra steps from your team.

    01

    Device Authenticates

    Your desk phone, softphone, or mobile app initiates a TLS handshake with our SIP platform. Certificates are verified - unauthorized devices are rejected before a call can be placed.

    02

    Signaling Encrypted

    All call setup messages - who you're calling, when, and from where - travel inside the TLS tunnel. The SIP INVITE and all control messages are invisible to network observers.

    03

    Session Keys Negotiated

    Using DTLS-SRTP, both endpoints negotiate unique encryption keys for the voice session. Keys are ephemeral - a new key pair is generated for every single call.

    04

    Media Stream Encrypted

    Voice packets are encrypted with SRTP before transmission. Each RTP packet is individually encrypted and authenticated - eavesdroppers capture only indecipherable ciphertext.

    05

    Call Terminates Securely

    Session keys are discarded when the call ends. Perfect forward secrecy means past calls remain protected even in the event of a future key compromise.

    Secure network infrastructure
    Data center security
    Perfect Forward Secrecy

    Each call gets a unique key. Past calls stay protected - forever.

    Server rack infrastructure
    Compliance

    Encryption Across Regulated Industries

    SRTP and TLS encryption are recognized technical safeguards under HIPAA, GLBA, FINRA, and CJIS - supporting your compliance program without adding IT complexity.

    Healthcare (HIPAA)

    HIPAA-Aware

    HIPAA's Security Rule requires protecting electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) in transit and at rest. Unencrypted voice calls that transmit patient information - appointment details, diagnoses, prescriptions - may constitute a HIPAA violation.

    How Encryption Helps
    SRTP encrypts patient information spoken over the phone
    TLS protects call metadata (caller ID, timestamps) that could identify patients
    AES-256 storage encryption covers call recordings containing ePHI
    Audit trails via CDR reporting support HIPAA audit requirements
    Business Phone SystemCloud FaxingContact Center

    Encryption is a technical safeguard under HIPAA. A complete HIPAA program also requires BAAs, access controls, and workforce training.

    Financial Services (FINRA / SEC / GLBA)

    FINRA / SEC Aware

    Financial institutions handling non-public customer information face stringent data protection obligations under GLBA, SEC Rule 17a-4, and FINRA regulations. Call recording and data-in-transit protection are frequently audited.

    How Encryption Helps
    TLS signaling protects account numbers and personal data mentioned in calls
    SRTP prevents interception of trades, account discussions, or advisory conversations
    Encrypted call recordings support SEC 17a-4 and FINRA record-retention requirements
    Granular CDR reporting provides the audit trail regulators expect
    Business Phone SystemContact CenterSIP Trunks

    Confirm specific regulatory requirements with your compliance officer. Big Sky Telecom encryption is a supporting control, not a complete compliance program.

    Legal (Attorney-Client Privilege)

    Confidentiality

    Attorney-client privilege requires reasonable steps to maintain confidentiality. Unencrypted calls over public networks are potentially interceptable - a growing risk for law firms handling sensitive litigation, M&A, and regulatory matters.

    How Encryption Helps
    SRTP encrypts privileged communications in transit
    TLS prevents metadata exposure of client identities and call frequency
    Encrypted fax protects confidential document transmission
    Secure voicemail-to-email with TLS delivery
    Business Phone SystemCloud FaxingBusiness SMS

    Encryption on the Big Sky Telecom network covers transmission on our infrastructure. End-to-end encryption to PSTN endpoints depends on the terminating carrier.

    Government & Municipal

    FedRAMP Guidance

    State and local government agencies handling sensitive citizen data, law enforcement communications, or regulated records benefit from encrypted voice infrastructure aligned with NIST SP 800-53 and CJIS Security Policy guidance.

    How Encryption Helps
    TLS 1.3 aligns with NIST SP 800-52 guidance for government systems
    SRTP supports CJIS Security Policy encryption requirements for criminal justice
    Encrypted storage for call recordings containing sensitive constituent data
    Role-based access controls limit who can access recordings
    Business Phone SystemSIP TrunksContact Center

    FedRAMP authorization is not claimed. Consult your agency's ISSO for specific compliance mapping.

    Plan Inclusion

    Which Plans Include Encryption?

    Core SRTP/TLS encryption is included on every plan at no extra cost. Advanced features like recording and fax encryption are available on higher tiers.

    Encryption FeatureGeneral Ext.Bundled SeatCall Center SeatSIP Trunk
    TLS 1.3 Signaling Encryption
    SRTP Voice Media Encryption
    AES-256 Recording Encryption
    AES-256 Fax Storage Encryption
    TLS Voicemail-to-Email Delivery
    DTLS-SRTP Key Negotiation
    CDR Audit Trail
    Encrypted SMS in Transit

    All SRTP / TLS encryption is active by default - no configuration required. Call Center Seat column highlighted for features exclusive to that tier.

    See Full Plan Comparison

    What Our Customers Say

    From healthcare to finance - encrypted by default, trusted in practice.

    "Our compliance officer required encrypted voice before we could migrate from our old ISDN lines. Big Sky had SRTP and TLS enabled by default - no configuration required on our end."
    IT Security Manager
    Helena Regional Medical Center
    "We handle sensitive client calls daily. Knowing every call on our phone system is encrypted in transit - without paying extra or jumping through IT hoops - is exactly what we needed."
    Managing Partner
    Bozeman Financial Advisory Firm
    FAQ

    Technical FAQ

    Answers for IT teams, compliance officers, and security-minded business owners.

    Is encryption enabled by default or do I have to turn it on?

    Encryption is on by default for all Big Sky Telecom accounts - there's no configuration required. TLS signaling and SRTP media encryption apply automatically to all calls made through our platform on compatible endpoints.

    Does encryption affect call quality or latency?

    No perceptible impact. SRTP encryption and decryption happens in hardware on modern IP phones and softphones. The processing overhead is negligible - call quality is determined by codec and network conditions, not encryption.

    Is the encryption end-to-end for calls to mobile or landline numbers?

    Encryption covers the leg between your device and our platform. When a call routes to a traditional PSTN number (mobile or landline), the PSTN leg is unencrypted - that's a limitation of the public switched telephone network, not our platform. For fully encrypted calls, both endpoints must be on an encrypted VoIP network.

    What happens to encryption keys when a call ends?

    Session keys are ephemeral and are discarded when the call terminates. This is perfect forward secrecy - even if a key were somehow compromised in the future, it could not be used to decrypt past call recordings. Each call generates a unique key pair.

    Does call recording preserve encryption?

    Call recordings are decrypted for storage (so they can be played back) and then re-encrypted at rest using AES-256. Access to recordings is controlled by role-based permissions in the management portal.

    Can I get documentation of your encryption standards for a compliance audit?

    Yes. We can provide a technical security overview document describing our encryption implementation, key management approach, and relevant protocol versions for inclusion in your compliance documentation. Contact our team to request it.

    Montana-Based Support

    Ready for Encrypted Business Calling?

    Every Big Sky Telecom plan includes SRTP and TLS encryption at no extra cost. Our team can provide a security overview document for your compliance audit - just ask.

    SRTP + TLS on every plan
    No extra cost
    No configuration required
    Compliance docs available
    (406) 777-VoIP (8647)