An encryption protocol that secures audio and video streams in VoIP and other real-time communication systems.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
What it is:
SRTP is an extension of the Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) designed to provide confidentiality, message authentication, and integrity for media transmitted over IP networks. It protects VoIP calls from eavesdropping, tampering, and replay attacks.
How it works:
When a VoIP call is established, SRTP encrypts the media packets (audio or video) before transmission. It uses symmetric encryption algorithms (like AES) to scramble the data, while authentication tags ensure the packet hasn’t been modified. SRTP also supports replay protection by numbering packets to detect and block duplicates. The keys used for encryption are exchanged via secure signaling protocols such as SIP over TLS or DTLS.
Benefits:
- Call privacy: Prevents third parties from listening to VoIP conversations.
- Data integrity: Ensures that voice/video packets are not tampered with in transit.
- Regulatory compliance: Helps meet industry standards like HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI-DSS.
- Low latency: Designed for real-time applications without adding significant delay.
- Broad compatibility: Supported by most modern VoIP systems and SIP endpoints.
Key components:
- Encryption algorithms (e.g., AES): Protect media content from interception.
- Authentication tags: Verify packet origin and integrity.
- Key management: Typically handled through secure signaling protocols (e.g., SIP/TLS, ZRTP).
- Replay protection: Detects and blocks packet replays to prevent disruption or attacks.
Why it’s beneficial:
SRTP ensures that real-time voice and video communications remain private, secure, and tamper-proof. For businesses, it builds trust, reduces risk, and supports compliance in industries where communication security is mission-critical.