STIR/SHAKEN Attestation: A Call to Action for Enhanced Security and Trust

Understanding STIR/SHAKEN Attestation:

STIR/SHAKEN attestation is a framework that verifies the authenticity of a caller's identity, ensuring that the call is not spoofed or fraudulent. The framework uses digital certificates to authenticate the caller's identity, providing a level of trust and security in voice communications.

The STIR (Secure Telephony Identity Revisited) component of the framework authenticates the caller's identity, while the SHAKEN (Secure Handling of Asserted information using toKENs) component verifies the authenticity of the caller's identity. The framework uses a three-level attestation system, with each level providing a different level of trust and security.

Level A attestation provides the highest level of trust and security, indicating that the caller's identity has been verified by the originating service provider. Level B attestation provides a moderate level of trust and security, indicating that the caller's identity has been verified by an intermediate service provider. Level C attestation provides the lowest level of trust and security, indicating that the caller's identity has not been verified.

Benefits of STIR/SHAKEN Attestation:

STIR/SHAKEN attestation provides several benefits for both consumers and businesses. For consumers, the framework provides enhanced security and trust in voice communications, reducing the risk of robocalls and spam calls. For businesses, the framework provides a competitive advantage, demonstrating a commitment to security and trust in voice communications.

The framework also provides regulatory compliance, with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requiring service providers to implement STIR/SHAKEN attestation by June 30, 2021. Failure to comply with this regulation can result in fines and penalties.

Implementing STIR/SHAKEN Attestation:

Implementing STIR/SHAKEN attestation requires a collaborative effort between service providers, software vendors, and hardware manufacturers. Service providers must deploy STIR/SHAKEN-compliant software and hardware, while software vendors must provide STIR/SHAKEN-compliant solutions. Hardware manufacturers must ensure that their devices are compatible with STIR/SHAKEN attestation.

The implementation process involves several steps, including:

Obtaining a digital certificate: Service providers must obtain a digital certificate from a trusted certificate authority (CA).

Implementing STIR/SHAKEN-compliant software: Service providers must deploy STIR/SHAKEN-compliant software on their network infrastructure.

Verifying caller identity: Service providers must verify the caller's identity and assign an attestation level.

Signing and transmitting the call: Service providers must sign the call with a digital signature and transmit it to the terminating service provider.

Verifying the digital signature: The terminating service provider must verify the digital signature and display the attestation level to the call recipient.

Challenges and Solutions:

Implementing STIR/SHAKEN attestation is not without its challenges. One of the main challenges is the complexity of the framework, requiring a deep understanding of the technology and the regulatory requirements.

To address this challenge, service providers can seek the help of experienced software vendors and consultants who specialize in STIR/SHAKEN attestation. These vendors and consultants can provide guidance and expertise throughout the implementation process, ensuring a smooth and successful deployment.

Another challenge is the cost of implementing STIR/SHAKEN attestation. The cost of obtaining digital certificates, deploying STIR/SHAKEN-compliant software and hardware, and maintaining the system can be significant. To address this challenge, service providers can leverage open-source STIR/SHAKEN attestation solutions, which can reduce the cost of implementation. Open-source solutions also provide flexibility and customization, allowing service providers to tailor the solution to their specific needs.

Conclusion:

STIR/SHAKEN attestation is a critical framework for enhancing security and trust in voice communications. With the rise of robocalls and spam calls, the need for a secure and trustworthy communication system has become increasingly important. STIR/SHAKEN attestation provides a solution to this problem, ensuring that voice communications are secure and trustworthy.

Implementing STIR/SHAKEN attestation requires a collaborative effort between service providers, software vendors, and hardware manufacturers. While there are challenges to implementing the framework, these challenges can be addressed with the help of experienced vendors and consultants and the use of open-source solutions.

As the FCC's deadline for implementing STIR/SHAKEN attestation approaches, it is essential for service providers to take action and ensure that their voice communications are secure and trustworthy. By implementing STIR/SHAKEN attestation, service providers can demonstrate their commitment to security and trust, providing a competitive advantage in the market.