How Secure Are Two-way Radios?

While many people use two-way radios for work or recreation, some people use them for more personal or confidential matters. Many people think that with a simple switch of a channel you can access another person's two-way radio conversation, but by taking a few simple steps to secure your two-way radio, you can keep out unwanted listeners. Here's how to secure your radio.

• Set up a privacy code. Many types of radios come with a Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) or CDCSS (Continuous Digital Coded Squelch System), which allows you to set up privacy codes that keep other people out of your chosen channel. These codes mean that you can subdivide the channels into a combination of the channel and a code that only your friends or coworkers will know.
• Learn Morse code. If you're only going to be communicating short, private messages, you may want to learn Morse code. This simple language has been used for decades, and it's very easy to use on your two-way radio. Instead of talking, you'll be able to communicate with a series of shorter and longer beeps with the simple push of a button. If you'd prefer to talk out loud instead of using a series of noises, you can also develop your own system of code words that other people on the same channel won't be able to figure out.
• Use an earpiece or headset. One of the easiest ways to keep your walkie talkie communications private in your direct vicinity is by eliminating the need to talk "into" the radio itself. Instead, invest in an earpiece or headset that connects to your radio, and makes it easy to talk and listen without people around you hearing your whole conversation.  When you wear the headset, you'll be the only one who can hear the other person's side of the conversation - and vice versa.