String Telecom

What is STIR/SHAKEN?

​Ensuring Caller ID Integrity for a Safer Calling Experience

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STIR/SHAKEN are industry standards designed to authenticate caller ID information using digital certificates and cryptographic techniques, aiming to reduce unwanted robocalls and combat caller ID spoofing. Specifically, STIR stands for Secure Telephone Identity Revisited, and SHAKEN stands for Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using toKENs. Together, these protocols allow telecommunications providers to sign and verify caller ID information as legitimate, so that consumers can have greater trust in the calls they receive.

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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is leading efforts in the USA to implement STIR/SHAKEN across the telecom industry to protect consumers from fraudulent robocalls. At String Telecom, we are committed to aligning with these standards to ensure our network provides a reliable, secure calling experience for our clients and their customers.

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How STIR/SHAKEN Works

STIR/SHAKEN functions by embedding a unique certificate of authenticity in the call data. When a call is placed, its digital signature travels along with it, allowing other carriers to verify that the call originates from a legitimate source. This verification process occurs in a series of steps:

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Attestation Levels

Each call receives an attestation level based on the service provider’s ability to verify its source:

Full Attestation: The originating service provider has confirmed the identity of the customer and authorized their use of the calling number.

Partial Attestation: The provider has verified the call origin but cannot confirm that the customer is authorized to use the specific number.

Gateway Attestation: The provider cannot verify the source of the call but has confirmed its network entry point, common in international calls.

Authentication and Verification

As the call is routed across the network, the Identity header, containing the caller ID information, is encrypted and securely transmitted across the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The receiving carrier then decrypts and verifies the caller’s authenticity, which aids in flagging potential robocalls or spoofed calls and protecting the end recipient.

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Consumer Assurance

When the terminating carrier successfully verifies the call, it can mark the caller ID as trustworthy, signaling to the consumer that the call is likely from a legitimate source. This transparent verification helps consumers identify calls they can trust.

The Role of STIR vs. SHAKEN

STIR technology identifies and determines whether a call is spoofed or legitimate. SHAKEN, on the other hand, manages the practical application of this verification process by ensuring that authenticated calls are handled correctly across networks. In essence, STIR identifies the trustworthiness of a call, and SHAKEN enables network providers to route those calls more effectively, minimizing the impact of robocalls on consumers.

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International Call Compatibility

STIR/SHAKEN is currently implemented primarily within the United States and Canada, with plans for international adoption as other countries develop compatible standards. As the global telecom community aligns with these protocols, STIR/SHAKEN will expand to provide even broader protection against robocalls.

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String Telecom’s Commitment to STIR/SHAKEN Compliance

At String Telecom, we take STIR/SHAKEN compliance seriously, going beyond the basic standards to enhance the security and reliability of our network. Our systems are equipped with industry-leading, FCC-compliant technology to authenticate calls effectively and protect our clients from spam and fraudulent calls. We also employ additional proprietary measures, such as String CallGuard, an advanced interactive voice response (IVR) technology.

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String CallGuard uses simple interactive commands to verify if the caller is human. For instance, callers are prompted to respond with specific inputs, like “Press 2 to continue,” filtering out unwanted robocalls without requiring the intervention of your customer service or sales teams. This additional layer of protection means your business receives cleaner, more accurate call data, allowing your team to focus on genuine, high-value calls and reducing the time wasted on spam.

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Partner with String Telecom for a Trusted Connection

With String Telecom’s STIR/SHAKEN-compliant services, you can trust that our network is designed to reduce robocalls and caller ID spoofing, creating a safer, more reliable experience for both businesses and consumers. Our commitment to STIR/SHAKEN compliance, combined with our advanced anti-robocall technology, empowers your business to maintain seamless, trustworthy communication with your customers.