Introduction
In the relentless battle against robocalls, STIR/SHAKEN stands as a beacon of hope for enterprises seeking to enhance call security. STIR/SHAKEN, which stands for Secure Telephone Identity Revisited/Signature-based Handling of Asserted information using toKENs, offers a standardized framework that verifies the authenticity of caller IDs, making it significantly more challenging for fraudsters to engage in caller ID spoofing and robocalls. In this blog post, we will explore how enterprises can leverage the power of STIR/SHAKEN to mitigate robocalls, protect their reputation, and ensure trust in phone communication.
Understanding the Power of STIR/SHAKEN
STIR/SHAKEN is not just an acronym; it's a robust solution that addresses the core issues surrounding robocalls. Here's a simplified breakdown of how it works:
1. STIR (Secure Telephone Identity Revisited): At the origin of a call, the service provider digitally signs the caller's identity using cryptographic certificates and private keys. This digital signature attests to the authenticity of the call's origin.
2. SHAKEN (Signature-based Handling of Asserted information using toKENs): At the recipient's end, the digital signature attached to the caller's identity is verified. If the signature checks out, the call is marked as "verified" or "authenticated." If not, it raises suspicion.
This two-fold process ensures that the caller ID displayed on the recipient's phone is reliable and has not been tampered with, significantly reducing the effectiveness of caller ID spoofing.
Enterprise Strategies for STIR/SHAKEN Implementation
Now that we understand the essence of STIR/SHAKEN, let's explore how enterprises can effectively implement it to bolster their call security.
1. Full STIR/SHAKEN Compliance
The first step for enterprises is ensuring full compliance with STIR/SHAKEN standards. This means adopting the framework and actively participating in the authentication process. By doing so, enterprises not only enhance their call security but also align themselves with industry standards and regulations.
2. Collaborate with Service Providers
Effective STIR/SHAKEN implementation requires collaboration between enterprises and their service providers. Enterprises should work closely with their providers to ensure that calls originating from their network are appropriately authenticated. This partnership is pivotal in reducing robocalls' impact.
3. Educate Employees
While STIR/SHAKEN plays a significant role in call authentication, employee awareness is crucial. Enterprises should educate their staff about the framework's importance and how it contributes to call security. This education can help prevent internal errors that might compromise authentication.
4. Monitor and Report Anomalies
Even with STIR/SHAKEN in place, enterprises should actively monitor their call traffic for anomalies. Any unusual patterns or suspicious activity should be promptly reported to service providers and relevant authorities for investigation.
5. Communicate Trust to Customers
STIR/SHAKEN is not just about call authentication; it's also about rebuilding trust in phone communication. Enterprises should communicate to their customers that they are taking robust measures to ensure that incoming calls are legitimate. This can be done through transparent messaging and informative campaigns.
6. Leverage STIR/SHAKEN for Brand Protection
Robocalls not only disrupt operations but can also harm a brand's reputation. Enterprises can use STIR/SHAKEN as a tool to protect their brand's integrity. When customers see a "verified" call, they know it's genuinely from your organization, enhancing trust and loyalty.
Conclusion
In the era of robocalls, STIR/SHAKEN is a powerful ally for enterprises seeking to fortify their call security. By embracing STIR/SHAKEN compliance, collaborating with service providers, educating employees, monitoring call traffic, communicating trust to customers, and using STIR/SHAKEN to protect their brand, enterprises can significantly mitigate robocall risks. STIR/SHAKEN not only authenticates calls but also rekindles trust in phone communication, ensuring that enterprises can operate in a secure and reliable communication environment.
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