Phone scams and unsolicited robocalls have become an issue almost everywhere.

Many of these calls utilize caller ID spoofing techniques, where scammers mask their true identity by displaying a fake caller ID on the recipient's phone.

These unwanted calls disrupt our daily lives and can pose a significant threat to privacy and security. However, the telecommunications industry has introduced a powerful tool known as STIR/SHAKEN.

STIR (Secure Telephony Identity Revisited), and SHAKEN (Signature-based Handling of Asserted information using toKENs) are frameworks designed to authenticate and verify the origin of phone calls. It employs digital certificates and public key infrastructure (PKI) to establish trust among service providers.

Prescott-Martini works tirelessly to help people avoid robocalls with the technology used in STIR/SHAKEN. Here are the steps service providers must take to implement STIR/SHAKEN successfully.

Understand the Basics of STIR/SHAKEN

Service providers should gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of STIR/SHAKEN before they implement it. This includes learning about core concepts, protocols, and standards involved. STIR/SHAKEN leverages digital certificates, signing, and verification processes to establish the authenticity of caller ID information. This process reduces the occurrence of fraudulent calls.

Evaluate Infrastructure Compatibility

To implement STIR/SHAKEN, service providers need to evaluate their existing infrastructure and ensure they have the required protocols in place. This involves assessing the capabilities of their call signaling systems, network elements, and the associated software. If these are outdated, you may need to upgrade or modify your existing infrastructure to implement STIR/SHAKEN.

Collaborate with Other Service Providers

STIR/SHAKEN uses a collaborative ecosystem where different service providers work together to verify and authenticate calls. Establishing partnerships with other carriers and service providers is crucial. This collaboration allows involved parties to exchange cryptographic certificates and call verification information, which enhances the effectiveness of STIR/SHAKEN.

Obtain a Certificate Authority

Service providers need to work with a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) to generate and verify digital certificates required for STIR/SHAKEN. The CA issues digital certificates that validate the identity of the service provider, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the calls originating from their network. Partnering with a recognized CA streamlines the certification process and builds trust among other providers.

Implement Certificate Management

Service providers must establish strong certificate management practices to support STIR/SHAKEN. This involves generating and maintaining certificates by ensuring their validity. It also involves managing the associated cryptographic keys. Effective certificate management guarantees that calls across the network are verified and authenticated.

Test and Validate the Implementation

Before deploying STIR/SHAKEN in a live environment, it's vital to conduct thorough tests to identify any potential issues or shortcomings. It also allows you to make any necessary adjustments or optimizations. Service providers should collaborate with industry organizations to ensure seamless integration with other networks.

Educate and Inform Users

Educating and informing end-users about the benefits of STIR/SHAKEN signal complete implementation. User awareness and adoption play a vital role in maximizing the effectiveness of the technology. Service providers must communicate the value of STIR/SHAKEN in reducing unwanted calls and protecting against caller ID spoofing.

STIR/SHAKEN is crucial for combating unwanted robocalls and caller ID spoofing. Service providers have a crucial role to play in implementing this technology effectively. With this technology, they can contribute to a more secure and trustworthy phone call ecosystem. STIR/SHAKEN promises to restore trust in caller identity and enhance the overall telecommunication experience for users worldwide.

Prescott-Martini offers STIR/SHAKEN services to help service providers avoid these unwanted calls. If you'd like to learn more about our work, contact us today.