Securing Communication: PeeringHub's STIR/SHAKEN Solution Against Call Fraud

In the era of digital communication, the proliferation of fraudulent activities, particularly through robocalls and caller ID spoofing, has emerged as a pressing concern. Addressing this issue and restoring trust in telephone communication is imperative, and innovative technologies like STIR/SHAKEN have taken center stage. This blog post explores how PeeringHub, a leading communication solutions provider, is at the forefront of combating call fraud with its robust STIR/SHAKEN solution.

Understanding the Menace:

Before delving into the solution, it's essential to comprehend the threat posed by call fraud. Caller ID spoofing, a favored tactic of fraudsters, involves manipulating caller IDs to appear legitimate. This deceitful technique often leads individuals into answering calls, resulting in financial scams, identity theft, and other malicious activities. Traditional call blocking methods have proven ineffective as fraudsters continually find ways to circumvent detection.

Enter STIR/SHAKEN:

STIR/SHAKEN, an acronym for Secure Telephone Identity Revisited/Signature-based Handling of Asserted information using toKENs, is a framework designed to counteract caller ID spoofing and instill confidence in phone calls. PeeringHub has incorporated this solution into its network infrastructure, establishing a robust defense against call fraud.

How PeeringHub STIR/SHAKEN Operates:

PeeringHub's STIR/SHAKEN solution operates on the collaborative efforts of service providers to verify call authenticity, encompassing two key principles: STIR and SHAKEN.

1. STIR (Secure Telephone Identity Revisited):

   • Authentication occurs at the originating service provider's end through digital signing of the caller's identity.
   • Cryptographic certificates and private keys create a signature serving as proof that the call remains untampered during transmission.

2. SHAKEN (Signature-based Handling of Asserted information using toKENs):

   • At the receiving service provider's end, SHAKEN comes into play by validating the digital signature attached to the caller's identity.
   • A valid signature marks the call as "verified" or "authenticated," while a missing or invalid signature may flag the call as suspicious or potentially fraudulent.

Benefits of PeeringHub STIR/SHAKEN:

Implementing PeeringHub's STIR/SHAKEN solution offers several noteworthy advantages:

1. Call Authentication: By digitally signing and verifying caller information, PeeringHub ensures that the displayed caller ID accurately represents the calling party.

2. Fraud Detection and Mitigation: The framework enhances the ability to identify and block fraudulent calls, reducing the risk of falling victim to scams.

3. Enhanced Trust: With the assurance of verified calls, recipients can confidently answer unknown numbers, fostering improved communication and reducing missed opportunities.

4. Industry Compliance: STIR/SHAKEN serves as a widely recognized standard for call authentication, ensuring service providers comply with industry regulations and requirements.

Conclusion:

As call fraud and caller ID spoofing continue to rise, the importance of innovative solutions like STIR/SHAKEN cannot be overstated. PeeringHub's implementation of this framework exemplifies a robust and collaborative approach to safeguarding communication networks against call fraud.