The long-awaited release of Phil Zimmermann’s, the creator of PGP, Windows version of Zfone, the VoIP encryption software has finally arrived. The Mac version was out last month.
The bottom line: fast setup, easy to use.
Background
Zfone uses a new VoIP encryption protocol called ZRTP to secure Internet telephone calls. The protocol provides a high level of security because it doesn’t rely on public key infrastructure (PKI), key certification, trust models or certificate authorities. ZRTP does the key agreement process on a peer-to-peer basis, using a new key for each telephone call. It also provides defenses against "man-in-the-middle" attacks. It also provides other layers of security, which are described in further detail on Zimmermann’s Web site, linked to above.
Review, Plus How to Get Started With Zfone
The new Zfone client for Windows was surprisingly easy to use. First, install a compatible VoIP client. We used the Gizmo client available from the free VoIP service SIPphone. Next, download and install Zfone. These two steps take about 5 – 10 minutes, including download times and the time it takes to set up a free account with SIPphone.
One thing you must do is configure your Gizmo client to use SIP port number 5060 in the "advanced" part of the Options function. Also, be sure to run Zfone before starting Gizmo.
Next all you have to do is contact your friend or associate on his SIPphone account. Unfortunately, you can’t call a landline using Zfone. Your contact must also be running Zfone on his side.
When the call is started it shows up in the Zfone window. Simply click "secure" and Zfone does the rest. It displays a string of characters for you to verify against the string that friend sees on his end. If the two are the same, then you’ve got a secure call.
With a setup time of less than 10 minutes and no glitches, Zfone worked out great. It provides strong VoIP encryption and is easy enough for even non-tech literate people to use.
Give it a try and report your comments back here. Zfone has not been extensively tested with Vonage, so Vonage Zfone testers, we’re particularly interested in your experiences.
Skype users: note that Zfone does not work with Skype (Skype has its own, arguably insecure, encryption).
