The Importance of SHAKEN/STIR Technology

Apr 22, 2022

 

The Importance of SHAKEN/STIR Technology

Nobody likes getting “spam” phone calls, whether on their personal cell phone or at their work line. While robocalls and other fraudulent telecom activity are impossible to root out entirely, there are some important technological and regulatory principles meant to reduce these calls. In particular, there’s a framework called SHAKEN/STIR, which is worth knowing about as you consider your own business telecom needs.

What is SHAKEN/STIR?

Basically, SHAKEN/STIR refers to some interconnected technological regulations that are meant to minimize robocalls and illegal phone number spoofing.

To be precise, STIR is an acronym for Secure Telephony Identity Revisited. Meanwhile, SHAKEN denotes Secure Handling of Asserted information using toKENs.

 

As of 2021, the FCC actually requires certain service providers to employ a SHAKEN/STIR solution of some kind. Specifically, telecommunication companies are required to implement a SHAKEN/STIR solution if they meet the following criteria:

  • They provide voice services to end-users.
  • They operate their own SBC (Session Border Controller) and/or PBX (Private Branch Exchange) that routes phone calls to or from end-users.

Companies that meet these stipulations must obtain a SHAKEN certificate as well as an identifying toKEN that is unique to their business.

 

How are SHAKEN and STIR Different?

To better understand these protocols, it may be helpful to explore the distinctions between SHAKEN and STIR.

STIR actually refers to a working body of telecom and Internet regulators, whose initial mandate was to create a digital signature for each call. A signed call is embedded with information about the calling party, and also allows the terminating provider to verify that signature.

SHAKEN, on the other hand, refers to a set of protocols and procedures by which STIR achieves its goals.

 

How Do Telecom Companies Implement SHAKEN/STIR?

For telecom companies to implement SHAKEN/STIR protocols, the following steps are required:

  • Registering with the STI-PA, inconectiv.
  • Purchasing a SHAKEN certificate from an authorized STI-CA.
  • Signing all outbound calls with that SHAKEN certificate.
  • Verifying all signed inbound calls that arrive.
  • Registering all required information in the Robocall Mitigation Database, as outlined by the FCC.

Note that this last step, registering with the Robocall Mitigation Database, takes just a day or two to complete, and is required for all new voice service providers. Filing a 499-A form with the FCC is also part of the process.

Additionally, voice service providers must also have an OCN (Operating Company Number) assigned by the NECA (National Exchange Carrier Association).

Why Do SHAKEN and STIR Matter?

So why is all this so important? Simply put, there is a lot of robocall activity out there. Estimates show that there are upwards of five billion robocalls each month, with more than 40 percent of them related to fraud activity.

The SHAKEN and STIR protocols represent an effort made by the telecom industry to restore some faith in voice communication and to help the end-user have a safer, more pleasant experience with phone calls. More specifically, this technological framework is intended to prevent fraudsters from scamming consumers and businesses alike.

 

What Should Your Business Be Doing About SHAKEN/STIR?

One of the good things about the SHAKEN/STIR framework is that, when properly implemented, it will reduce the amount of fraudulent call activity you have to deal with at your place of business… and yet, there should not be any perceptible difference to the way your telecom systems or caller ID work.

A practical step you can take is to talk with your telecommunications provider, asking them what solutions they have implemented on your behalf. By now, all providers should have some robust SHAKEN/STIR measures in place to protect your business. Don’t hesitate to verify this with your provider.

TelWare provides a full spectrum of telecommunication solutions to our clients, including strong protections against fraudulent activity. We’re always happy to tell you more. Reach out to the TelWare team at any time.

To learn more about staying current with the latest communications technology, contact TelWare at 1.800.637.3148 or email us at sales@telware.com. TelWare is a national leader in the installation of voice, video, data, and unified communications solutions.

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