STIR/SHAKEN

Despite FCC regulations, consumer complaints about robocalls are on the rise. In fact, FCC complaints rose by a whopping 1.8 million reports from 2016 to 2017 alone. In April of 2018, there were over 3.4 billion robocalls placed internationally.

Nobody wants to receive an unwanted robocall. These phone calls are more than a minor annoyance: they pose a real threat to consumers.

Robocallers and criminals convince consumers to answer their phone calls by masking their true phone number. This is called spoofing.

Spoofing increases the likelihood that consumers will pick up the phone. For example, scammers may try to mask their phone number to make it look like it’s your cable company or police calling.

It’s also very common for criminals to use masked robocalls to steal consumer tax information and social security numbers.

The FCC posed a challenge to the telecommunications industry to combat robocalls and spoofing. The industry answered with STIR/SHAKEN standards.

What is STIR/SHAKEN?

STIR/SHAKEN isn’t just a clever nod to James Bond. This protocol is the telecommunications industry’s answer to robocalls.

STIR stands for Secure Telephone Identity Revisited. Telephone providers use these standards to give a certificate of authenticity to every phone call.

SHAKEN stands for Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information using toKENs. STIR is a set of technology standards and SHAKEN outlines how telephone providers implement STIR.

STIR/SHAKEN is a little like blockchain for phone calls. STIR/SHAKEN creates a unique digital signature tied to your device that’s harder to trick than caller ID.

When you place a call, your number automatically receives a certificate. When a call passes through your phone carrier, like Verizon, T-Mobile, etc., the carrier checks your certificate for authenticity. This certificate verifies the call is actually coming from your phone number.

STIR/SHAKEN is a self-governing set of standards that the telecommunications industry has agreed upon. However, the FCC still has oversight with STIR/SHAKEN. They assign the certificates and advise on how to perform STIR/SHAKEN audits.

STIR/SHAKEN Benefits

STIR/SHAKEN has so many benefits for consumers and brands:

1. Block spam calls: STIR/SHAKEN can alert consumers that a phone number is fraudulent, saving their time and protecting their information.
2. Trust: Verifying your brand’s number through STIR/SHAKEN means that your customers can trust communication from your brand.
3. Better information: STIR/SHAKEN shows where phone calls originate. Answer fewer phone calls from spammers across the globe with STIR/SHAKEN protections.

The great thing about STIR/SHAKEN is that telecommunications companies are already implementing it. This protocol won’t stop all spoofing calls, but it’s a positive step for change.

Let’s put your telephones to good use. Chat with DialMyCalls to use voice broadcasting and SMS communication to get more business for your brand.

This content does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult a professional for your unique situation.