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The Gigaset SL965 DECT handset includes a digital signal processor with 3072-bit Public Key encryption, leading to 'interception proof conversations', according to the company. 'The public keys are newly created with each call and shredded after each call,' explained Nicholas Ord, vice president of innovation at Siemens.

Ord claims businesses

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need to consider such extreme measures, because digital technology has made it easier to tap phone calls. For example, Ord claimed that by entering a certain key combination on a mobile phone, it's possible to tap another person's mobile calls. 'The technology of being able to listen to people has accelerated incredibly. There are at least three or four ways to tap a phone call. The bloke in the broom cupboard could be tapping your phone call, because he's got your business card,' Ord claimed.

Siemens claims that its European manufacturing base is also an advantage when it comes to selling corporate security products. 'People don't buy crypto phones from the States, because they think George Bush has put a chip in the back of them,' said Ord.

However, such high-level security doesn't come cheap. A set of two Gigaset SL965 phones will cost around £2,000 when they become commercially available over the next couple of months.