Are You Compliant with STIR/SHAKEN Requirements? Here's What You Need to Know

March 14, 2025
·
4 min
deleteme

Protect yourself from future breaches

In today's telecommunications landscape, ensuring caller authenticity is no longer optional—it's a necessity. With the rise of robocalls and caller ID spoofing, the STIR/SHAKEN framework emerges as a critical solution. But what exactly does it entail, and why is it vital for your operations? This guide will break down the essentials, from compliance requirements to the profound impact of STIR/SHAKEN laws on your business.

Understanding the STIR/SHAKEN Framework

The world of telecommunications has faced a persistent nuisance for years—caller ID spoofing. This mischievous act involves manipulating the caller ID to deceive recipients, often leading to robocalls and scams. Enter the STIR/SHAKEN framework, a technology designed to combat this very problem.

What is STIR/SHAKEN?

  • STIR (Secure Telephone Identity Revisited) and SHAKEN (Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using toKENs) work in tandem to authenticate and verify the legitimacy of phone calls.
  • This framework digitally validates calls, akin to verifying a digital signature, ensuring that the caller ID is genuine and unaltered.

How Does It Work?

  • Call Initiation: When a call is made, the originating service provider attaches a digital certificate.
  • Verification: As the call traverses networks, the terminating service provider checks this certificate to confirm authenticity.
  • Result: The recipient's device can then display whether the call is verified or not, reducing the likelihood of falling for spoofed calls.

Collaborative Efforts

The success of STIR/SHAKEN isn't just a technological marvel; it's a testament to the collaborative efforts between regulatory bodies and telecom industry leaders. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been at the forefront, mandating the implementation of this framework. Telecom giants have also banded together, understanding that a unified approach is key to curbing spoofing.

In essence, STIR/SHAKEN is more than just a technological fix—it's a collective shield against deception. As businesses and consumers become more aware, the effectiveness of this framework will only grow, making communication safer for everyone.

Key Compliance Requirements

Navigating the waters of STIR/SHAKEN compliance can feel like deciphering a secret code. Yet, understanding its requirements is essential for any business keen on staying on the right side of regulations.

Primary Compliance Requirements

Businesses must adhere to several key mandates to comply with STIR/SHAKEN:

  • Caller ID Authentication: Every call must be authenticated using STIR/SHAKEN protocols. This ensures that the caller ID information is verified and legitimate.
  • Robocall Mitigation Plans: Service providers must develop comprehensive plans to mitigate illegal robocall traffic. These plans need to be submitted to the Robocall Mitigation Database.
  • Certification Filing: Providers are required to file certifications that confirm their compliance with STIR/SHAKEN and any robocall mitigation programs. This is crucial for transparency and regulatory compliance.

Deadlines and Enforcement

The deadlines for compliance are not just dates on a calendar—they are vital checkpoints:

  • June 30, 2021: All originating and terminating voice service providers were mandated to implement STIR/SHAKEN in their IP networks.
  • Ongoing Requirements: Providers must continually update their mitigation plans and respond promptly to traceback requests to avoid penalties.

Failure to comply can lead to substantial fines, with enforcement being a top priority for regulatory bodies like the FCC.

Implementation Steps

Implementing STIR/SHAKEN is not a plug-and-play solution. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Assessment and Planning: Evaluate your current systems and identify gaps in compliance. This might involve technical audits and strategic planning.
  2. Technology Integration: Deploy the necessary technology to support STIR/SHAKEN protocols. This includes acquiring digital certificates and ensuring systems are capable of handling authentication processes.
  3. Staff Training: Train your team to understand and manage STIR/SHAKEN protocols effectively. This includes handling traceback requests and maintaining records.
  4. Regular Updates: Keep your systems and mitigation plans updated to reflect any changes in regulatory requirements.

Incorporating these steps ensures that your business not only meets compliance requirements but also strengthens its defense against fraudulent calls.

While navigating these regulations, companies like Cloaked provide solutions that simplify the implementation of such protocols, making compliance less of a headache and more of a strategic advantage.

The Importance of a STIR/SHAKEN Certificate

In the modern world of telecommunications, caller ID spoofing and fraudulent calls have become pervasive issues. The STIR/SHAKEN framework stands as a formidable defense against these nuisances. At the heart of this system lies the STIR/SHAKEN certificate, a critical component for authenticating calls.

Understanding STIR/SHAKEN Certificate

A STIR/SHAKEN certificate is like a digital handshake that vouches for the legitimacy of a call. Imagine it as the bouncer at a club, checking IDs to ensure only genuine callers get through. This certificate is pivotal in verifying that a call is indeed from the number it claims to be.

  • STIR (Secure Telephony Identity Revisited) and SHAKEN (Signature-based Handling of Asserted information using toKENs) work together to prevent caller ID spoofing. They ensure that each call is signed and authenticated before reaching the receiver.
  • The certificate provides a digital signature that can be validated by other networks, ensuring the call's authenticity.

Obtaining a STIR/SHAKEN Certificate

The process of obtaining a STIR/SHAKEN certificate involves several steps:

  • Request: Service providers submit a certificate signing request to a recognized Certificate Authority (CA).
  • Validation: The CA verifies the requestor's identity and the legitimacy of their claim to use the phone numbers in question.
  • Issuance: Once validated, the CA issues a certificate that digitally signs the calls, establishing a chain of trust.

Impact on Trust and Communication

The validation of these certificates significantly bolsters trust in communication. Here's how:

  • Consumer Trust: By ensuring that calls are genuine, consumers can trust the caller ID displayed, reducing the chances of falling prey to scams.
  • Business Integrity: Businesses can maintain their reputation by ensuring their communications are not misrepresented by spoofed numbers.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Many countries mandate the use of STIR/SHAKEN to combat fraudulent calls, making it essential for service providers to comply.

Incorporating such robust measures in telecommunications is not just a regulatory requirement; it's a step toward restoring faith in phone communications. As Cloaked offers innovative solutions in secure identity management, leveraging STIR/SHAKEN can seamlessly integrate with existing systems to enhance communication integrity without compromising on efficiency.

Impact of STIR/SHAKEN Laws on Businesses

Legislative Backdrop

STIR/SHAKEN is not just a catchy acronym but a critical legislative initiative aimed at combating the scourge of spoofed robocalls. The TRACED Act, signed into law in December 2019, laid the foundation by granting the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) enhanced authority to crack down on illegal robocalls. This Act requires phone service providers to implement STIR/SHAKEN protocols, ensuring caller ID authenticity. The legislative push has been relentless, with deadlines and compliance benchmarks set to tighten the noose on fraudulent calls.

Business Implications

The enforcement of STIR/SHAKEN laws isn't just a bureaucratic tick-box exercise. Businesses failing to comply face significant risks. The FCC has made it clear: non-compliance could lead to hefty penalties. Providers need to submit robocall mitigation plans and certifications to the FCC's Robocall Mitigation Database. Failure to do so can lead to per-call fines, which might sound trivial until they accumulate into a financial avalanche.

Benefits of Compliance

For businesses, the rewards of compliance extend beyond avoiding penalties. Implementing STIR/SHAKEN enhances customer trust, a commodity more precious than gold. When customers see verified caller IDs, their confidence in the business's legitimacy strengthens. This reduction in fraudulent calls can translate into a tangible competitive advantage. Additionally, businesses like Cloaked, which specialize in secure communication solutions, can leverage these protocols to further assure their clients of the safety and authenticity of their interactions.

In essence, while STIR/SHAKEN mandates require investment, the payoff in terms of security and customer trust can be immense. For any business serious about its reputation and customer relationships, embracing these protocols is not just advisable but essential.

Integrating STIR/SHAKEN with Existing Systems

Integrating the STIR/SHAKEN framework into existing telecommunication systems can be likened to fitting a new engine into an old car. It's not always a straightforward process, but with the right tools and know-how, it can be done efficiently.

Tips for Integration

  1. Evaluate Current Infrastructure: Start by assessing the current telecommunication setup. Determine if the existing network infrastructure supports IP-based communication, as STIR/SHAKEN primarily operates over these networks.
  1. Upgrade Legacy Systems: For systems still reliant on older technologies, consider upgrading to IP networks. This is crucial since STIR/SHAKEN doesn't operate effectively on non-IP networks.
  1. Utilize Cloud-Based Solutions: Consider using cloud-based STIR/SHAKEN solutions. These services can simplify the integration process by providing necessary software without the need for extensive on-premise installations.
  1. Work with Trusted Vendors: Engage with vendors who specialize in STIR/SHAKEN implementation. Trusted partners can offer guidance and support throughout the integration process, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

  • Compatibility Issues: Older systems may face compatibility issues with STIR/SHAKEN. Address this by ensuring that all software and hardware are updated to support the framework.
  • Resource Allocation: Implementing STIR/SHAKEN may require significant resource allocation, including time and technical expertise. Mitigate this by planning and scheduling the integration phases carefully.
  • Network Security Concerns: Security is paramount when integrating new protocols. Consider using products like Cloaked to enhance security measures. Cloaked can provide additional layers of security and ensure compliance with regulations, safeguarding your network against potential vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

Integrating STIR/SHAKEN into existing systems is a necessary step for combating fraudulent calls. By following these tips and addressing potential challenges, businesses can achieve a seamless integration, ensuring their communication networks are both secure and compliant.

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