In today’s digital age, phone communication remains a cornerstone of business operations, customer engagement, and personal interactions. However, the prevalence of caller ID spoofing and fraudulent calls has become a significant concern for consumers and businesses alike. To address this issue, regulatory bodies and telecommunications industry leaders have developed standards and protocols such as STIR/SHAKEN. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of STIR/SHAKEN regulations, their impact on the telecommunications landscape, and what businesses need to know to ensure compliance and enhance trust with their customers.
What is STIR/SHAKEN?
STIR/SHAKEN, an acronym for "Secure Telephone Identity Revisited" and "Signature-based Handling of Asserted information using toKENs," is a framework developed to combat caller ID spoofing and restore trust in caller identification systems. At its core, STIR/SHAKEN aims to authenticate caller identities and ensure the integrity of phone calls by digitally verifying the legitimacy of callers and their authorization to use the displayed phone numbers.
The Importance of STIR/SHAKEN Compliance
With the proliferation of robocalls, spam calls, and fraudulent schemes, consumers have become increasingly wary of answering unfamiliar calls. STIR/SHAKEN compliance is essential for businesses seeking to maintain trust and credibility with their customers. By implementing STIR/SHAKEN protocols, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to combating caller ID spoofing and protecting their customers from malicious activities.
STIR/SHAKEN Regulatory Landscape
In the United States, regulatory agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have taken proactive measures to encourage the adoption of STIR/SHAKEN standards. The TRACED Act, signed into law in 2019, mandates the implementation of STIR/SHAKEN protocols by voice service providers to combat illegal robocalls and caller ID spoofing. Failure to comply with STIR/SHAKEN regulations can result in penalties and enforcement actions by regulatory authorities.
Implementing STIR/SHAKEN in Your Business
For businesses operating in the telecommunications industry, compliance with STIR/SHAKEN regulations is paramount. Voice service providers are required to deploy STIR/SHAKEN solutions to authenticate calls and provide customers with accurate caller identification information. Once your submitted details are approved, you will get a level of attestation which implies that you have completed the registration. Here are the 3 types of attestation levels
- Full Attestation (highest level) “A”: Full attestation identifies that caller is a known party and has the right to use the phone number as caller id.
- Partial Attestation “B”: Partial attestation identified that caller is a known party but does not know if the caller has the right to use the phone number as the calling number/ caller id.
- Gateway Attestation “C”: In this one, The provider can't confirm the customer or the phone number, so they can't tell if the call is real. But they'll still say the call started from their network.
Note: International calls are given a “B” as STIR/SHAKEN is only for US based numbers.
How does STIR/SHAKEN Works ?
After a number is enrolled in STIR/SHAKEN, incoming calls to mobile devices from that number will show as "Verified Call" on the Caller ID if they have the top-level "A" attestation. This feature enables consumers to promptly recognize if the call is from a trusted and verified source.
Conclusion
STIR/SHAKEN represents a significant step forward in the fight against caller ID spoofing and fraudulent calls. By adhering to STIR/SHAKEN regulations and deploying robust authentication mechanisms, businesses can enhance trust with their customers, improve the effectiveness of their communication strategies, and contribute to a safer and more secure telecommunications ecosystem. Embracing STIR/SHAKEN compliance is not only a regulatory requirement but also a strategic imperative for businesses looking to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
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