What is Data in Transit?
Imagine you’re sending a secret message to a friend.
If you write it on a postcard, anyone who gets their hands on it can read it.
But if you put it in a locked box and only your friend has the key, your message stays private. That’s what encryption does for digital information moving across the internet.
Data in transit refers to information being sent from one place to another—like emails, phone calls, or website logins.
If it’s not protected, hackers or eavesdroppers can intercept it. Encryption acts like a lock, keeping the data safe until it reaches the right person.
How Do Websites Keep Data Safe?
Websites protect data in transit using SSL/TLS encryption.
If you see a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar, that means the website is encrypting your connection.
This encryption is crucial in safeguarding sensitive transactions—especially for industries where client confidentiality is a must, such as finance and external asset management.
You can learn more about broader cybersecurity practices in finance and IT here.
The Heartbleed Bug: Why Encryption Alone Isn’t Enough
Even with encryption, security flaws can exist.
In 2014, the Heartbleed bug was discovered in OpenSSL, a tool that many websites used to encrypt data.
This vulnerability allowed hackers to peek into sensitive information stored on web servers, like passwords and private keys.
A reminder that while encryption is critical, proactive information security—including software updates and security patches—remains just as important.
What About VoIP Calls? Are They Secure?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services, like internet-based phone calls, also use encryption.
Technologies like TLS (for call setup) and SRTP (for voice data) help protect conversations.
But here’s the catch: not all VoIP calls are fully encrypted, especially when they travel between different networks.
In Singapore, local providers generally maintain high security standards.
However, for cross-border communications, extra precautions—like using VPNs or choosing security-conscious providers—can bridge the gap.
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Extra Security Measures for VoIP and Websites
When encryption alone isn’t enough, other measures can make a difference:
- IP Whitelisting: Only allowing calls or website connections from trusted IP addresses. This approach also supports businesses with legacy infrastructure, especially where data at rest needs protection but full encryption may not be feasible.
- VPNs for VoIP Calls: Encrypting calls within a private network adds an extra layer of defense.
- Session Border Controllers (SBCs): Acting like security checkpoints for VoIP traffic, filtering threats and ensuring compliance.
For businesses operating in shared environments like coworking spaces, additional precautions like protecting data in use also come into play, ensuring information remains private even when open on a screen.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Own Data in Transit?
As an everyday user, you can take simple steps to keep your data safe while it’s traveling:
- Encrypt Sensitive Documents: Before sending important files, use a strong password to lock them.
- Send Passwords Separately: If you encrypt a file, don’t send the password in the same email. Use a phone call or a secure chat app instead.
- Use Secure Messaging Apps: Apps like Signal and WhatsApp offer end-to-end encryption to protect your communications.
- Be Careful on Public Wi-Fi: Hackers can snoop on unencrypted traffic in coffee shops and airports. A VPN adds a crucial layer of security.
Also, understanding the principle of controlling what you can when protecting your data—especially during interactions with unfamiliar networks or applications—can help you take back control over vulnerabilities.
Balancing Security and Convenience
Encryption is essential for protecting data in transit, but it isn’t foolproof.
Businesses and individuals need to find a balance between security and usability.
For large-scale communications like VoIP calls, full encryption may not always be practical.
That’s why layering additional measures—IP whitelisting, VPNs, timely security updates—builds a stronger defense.
Cyber threats will keep evolving.
Awareness, layered security practices, and staying ahead of vulnerabilities ensure that your data in transit stays protected.
