How STIR/SHAKEN Solutions Combat Call ID Spoofing?

Call ID spoofing has emerged as a significant issue in the telecommunications industry, affecting both businesses and consumers. STIR/SHAKEN solutions have been developed to combat this problem, offering a robust framework for call authentication and verification. This blog explores how STIR/SHAKEN solutions combat call ID spoofing, their benefits, and best practices for implementation.

Understanding Call ID Spoofing

Call ID spoofing is the practice of manipulating the caller ID information displayed on a recipient's phone to disguise the true origin of a call. This malicious tactic is often used to deceive recipients, increase the likelihood of answering, and carry out various scams, such as phishing, vishing, and spam calls.

The Impact of Call ID Spoofing on Businesses and Consumers

Call ID spoofing negatively impacts businesses and consumers by eroding trust in communication channels, increasing the risk of fraud, and reducing the effectiveness of communication strategies. It also contributes to the proliferation of robocalls and spam calls, causing frustration and wasting valuable time for recipients.

The Need for Call Authentication: STIR/SHAKEN Overview

STIR (Secure Telephony Identity Revisited) and SHAKEN (Signature-based Handling of Asserted information using toKENs) are industry-standard frameworks for call authentication and verification. Developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS), STIR/SHAKEN solutions aim to combat call ID spoofing by establishing a secure and trusted communication ecosystem.

Read also :- Understanding STIR/SHAKEN and Its Role to Combat Caller ID Spoofing

How STIR/SHAKEN Solutions Work

• Attestation Levels

STIR/SHAKEN solutions use attestation levels to indicate the level of confidence in the caller's identity. There are three attestation levels: full attestation (indicating the caller's identity has been verified by the originating service provider), partial attestation (indicating the caller's identity has been verified to some extent), and gateway attestation (indicating the caller's identity has not been verified).

• Token Generation and Validation

STIR/SHAKEN solutions generate and validate tokens, or digital signatures, to authenticate the caller's identity. These tokens are transmitted alongside the call and verified by the receiving service provider to determine the call's legitimacy.

• Call Verification and Display

Upon receiving a call, the receiving service provider verifies the STIR/SHAKEN token and displays the caller's verified identity to the recipient. This process ensures that recipients can trust the caller's identity and make informed decisions about answering the call.

STIR/SHAKEN Open Source Solutions

Open source STIR/SHAKEN solutions offer businesses and service providers the flexibility to implement call authentication and verification without being tied to proprietary software. These solutions enable businesses to customize and integrate STIR/SHAKEN functionality into their existing communication infrastructure, promoting interoperability and reducing costs.

Benefits of Implementing STIR/SHAKEN Solutions

• Improved Caller Identification

STIR/SHAKEN solutions provide accurate and reliable caller identification, enabling recipients to trust the caller's identity and make informed decisions about answering calls.

• Enhanced Trust in Caller Identity

By establishing a secure and trusted communication ecosystem, STIR/SHAKEN solutions promote trust and confidence in communication channels, reducing the risk of fraud and scams.

• Reduced Robocalls and Spam Calls

STIR/SHAKEN solutions help combat the proliferation of robocalls and spam calls, improving the overall quality of communication and reducing frustration for recipients.

• Compliance with Regulatory Requirements

Implementing STIR/SHAKEN solutions ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, such as the TRACED Act in the United States, which mandates the use of STIR/SHAKEN solutions for call authentication and verification.

Challenges in Implementing STIR/SHAKEN Solutions

• Technical Complexity

STIR/SHAKEN solutions require a deep understanding of telecommunications protocols, security standards, and network infrastructure, making implementation complex and challenging for businesses and service providers.

• Integration with Existing Infrastructure

Integrating STIR/SHAKEN solutions with existing communication infrastructure can be a complex and time-consuming process, requiring careful planning and coordination.

• Cost and Resource Allocation

Implementing STIR/SHAKEN solutions can be costly, requiring significant investment in hardware, software, and personnel resources.

• Collaboration and Standardization

Collaboration and standardization are crucial for ensuring interoperability and compatibility among STIR/SHAKEN solutions, requiring businesses and service providers to work together to establish industry-wide best practices and standards.

Best Practices for Implementing STIR/SHAKEN Solutions

• Assessing Business Needs and Requirements

Before implementing STIR/SHAKEN solutions, businesses should assess their communication infrastructure, identify areas for improvement, and define specific requirements for call authentication and verification.

• Choosing the Right STIR/SHAKEN Solution

Businesses should carefully evaluate STIR/SHAKEN solutions based on their specific needs, requirements, and budget, ensuring that the chosen solution aligns with their communication strategy and goals.

• Collaborating with Service Providers and Partners

Collaboration with service providers and partners is essential for ensuring successful implementation, interoperability, and compatibility among STIR/SHAKEN solutions.

• Testing and Validation

Thorough testing and validation are crucial for ensuring that STIR/SHAKEN solutions function correctly, meet regulatory requirements, and provide the desired benefits.

• Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance

Regular monitoring and maintenance are necessary for ensuring that STIR/SHAKEN solutions continue to function optimally, addressing any issues or challenges that may arise over time.

Conclusion

STIR/SHAKEN solutions offer a robust framework for call authentication and verification, combating call ID spoofing and promoting trust and confidence in communication channels. By following best practices, addressing challenges, and collaborating with service providers and partners, businesses can successfully implement STIR/SHAKEN solutions and reap the benefits of secure and trusted communication. Contact us now to learn more about implementing STIR/SHAKEN solutions and enhancing your communication infrastructure.