Today, many people use virtual numbers, either for business or personal purposes. However, there are also people who believe that they are unsafe. But is this true? Here’s what we think about are virtual phone numbers are safe or not.
Understanding Virtual Numbers
Virtual numbers are those numbers that are connected and maintained on a completely remote basis. They use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) or SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) in their operation, but the latter option is less common.
Be more precise, virtual numbers are usually used for:
- Registration – the customer base of many services and companies is regularly attacked by hackers, as a result of which millions of digits are leaked. If you register in such places with a virtual phone, all the spam will come to it instead and you will be safe and sound.
- Sales – VoIP digits can be used for sales. It can be specified as a contact phone, and after the deal is done, it can be immediately deactivated on the site where it was purchased or rented.
- For networking and meeting new people – if you think it is too early to give a private number to this or that person, you can always give a virtual one instead and not worry about the safety.
Security Features of Virtual Numbers
Virtual numbers work by routing calls through the internet. When someone dials the virtual number, the call is converted into data packets and transmitted over the web to reach its destination. This allows for flexibility in handling calls, as you can redirect them to any device or location with an internet connection.
They offer many security features. Among them:
1. Two-factor authentication – one of the most important secure features of an online phone is two-factor authentication (2FA). This measure requires a special code in order to access the account.
2. Advanced Encryption – SRTP and TLS encryption systems ensure that no third party can access personal information.
Benefits of Using Virtual Numbers
Here are just some of the benefits of using them:
- Anonymity and privacy: since data is not shared with anyone or anywhere when you get an online phone – no one will be able to associate your identity with particular phone.
- Convenience: with the help of online numbers it is possible to register any amount of profiles in one or another social network or messenger for work or other business. Just a few clicks and your new account is ready to go.
- Privacy: Virtual numbers offer an extra layer of security for your personal information. Imagine you’re selling items online, and you want to share a contact number with potential buyers. By using a virtual number, you keep your actual phone number private. If a transaction doesn’t go as planned, you can easily change or deactivate the virtual number, keeping your primary contact information safe.
- Business: Virtual numbers are a game-changer for businesses of all sizes. Let’s say you run a small company in New York, but you want to attract customers in Los Angeles. With a virtual number with a Los Angeles area code, you appear local to potential clients. This can boost trust and increase the likelihood of them choosing your services. Additionally, businesses can set up virtual numbers for specific purposes, like a dedicated customer support line or tracking marketing campaign responses.
- International Calls: Traditional international calls can be expensive. Virtual numbers offer a more cost-effective solution. If you have business partners or clients abroad, you can get a virtual number with a local area code in their country. When they call you, they pay local rates, even though the call is routed over the internet. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
- Call Management: Virtual numbers grant you full control over your calls. You can customize call forwarding settings to ensure that incoming calls reach the right person or department. For instance, you can forward calls to your office during business hours and redirect them to your mobile phone after hours. Voicemail settings can also be tailored to your preferences, so you never miss important messages.
- Cost-Efficiency: Virtual numbers are often more budget-friendly than traditional phone lines. You can avoid expensive installation fees and long-term contracts. Many providers offer pay-as-you-go plans, giving you the flexibility to pay only for the services you use.
- Flexibility: With virtual numbers, you have the freedom to adapt to changing circumstances. Need a new number for a marketing campaign? No problem. You can acquire and set up a virtual number quickly. If your business expands to a new location, you can instantly establish a local presence with a corresponding area code.
- Scalability: Whether you’re a small startup or a large corporation, virtual numbers can grow with your business. You can easily add more virtual numbers to accommodate new departments or locations. There’s no need to invest in additional hardware or lines.
- Accessibility: Virtual numbers grant you access to your calls from anywhere with an internet connection. This means you can stay connected whether you’re in the office, working from home, or traveling. It’s a level of accessibility that traditional phone systems struggle to match.
Common Misconceptions
There are several myths surrounding online digits. For example, there is a common misconception that they are insecure compared to traditional ones. In reality, the situation is quite different: if a company’s or individual’s goal is protection from unauthorized access, then VoIP is undoubtedly the best option. It is much more secure – thanks to extensive abovementioned encryption systems and 2FA. In addition, most digital telephony devices run on different versions of Linux. It has proven to be a virus-prone operating system.
Also, many people think that VoIP is expensive and complicated. However, the current situation is such that the absolute majority of providers are ready to offer trouble-free operation using a distributed network of servers, well-designed channel redundancy, a wide network of partners, etc. This allows you to take calls, receive messages, and perform your activations 24/7 after you buy an sms verification number on SmsBower – anywhere, anytime.
Security comparisons: Virtual Numbers vs Traditional Numbers
Finally, let’s compare them:
- VoIP tends to have much better call quality. It’s also way faster.
- With an analog phone, each number must have its own phone line connected, and it can only take one call at a time. VoIP can handle multiple calls at once.
- A traditional number can use IP telephony if it’s connected to a SIP adapter, but VoIP doesn’t need that.
Now we can say with one hundred percent certainty whether is virtual phone number safe or not. Well, it is – in the vast majority of cases, it may even replace traditional numbers, providing convenient solutions for both personal and business use.
