Telecommunications technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. In recent years, one of the most significant developments in the industry is the implementation of the STIR/SHAKEN protocol. As telemarketing and robocall scams become more sophisticated, this innovative technology seeks to enhance call authenticity, fostering trust in telecommunications.
STIR and SHAKEN – What Are They?
STIR (Secure Telephone Identity Revisited) and SHAKEN (Signature-based Handling of Asserted information using toKENs) are protocols that work together to ensure the authenticity of calls traveling through telephone networks.
STIR is a technical standard developed to certify the identity of originating calls. It uses digital certificates, based on common public key cryptography techniques, to ensure the calling number is secure and has not been tampered with.
SHAKEN is the framework that allows different phone networks to trust the caller ID information sent with calls. It outlines how service providers should implement the STIR standard to ensure that caller identities remain secure as calls move across networks.
The Impact on Telecommunications
The adoption of the STIR/SHAKEN protocol represents a significant leap forward in preventing caller ID spoofing, a common tactic employed by malicious entities to deceive call recipients.
By ensuring that caller ID information is accurate and authenticated, STIR/SHAKEN can help restore trust in caller ID, protect consumers from fraudulent calls, and enhance the overall security of telecommunications. It offers a formidable defense against robocallers and illegal phone spammers.
In upcoming posts, we will delve deeper into the mechanics of STIR/SHAKEN, including its core elements, such as token attestation. We’ll also examine the protocol’s role in TCPA compliance and its impact on businesses and consumers.
Stay connected as we continue to explore the changing landscape of telecommunications in the age of digital security and authenticity.
