The telecommunications industry is witnessing a paradigm shift in the way voice communication is carried out, with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services becoming increasingly popular. While VoIP offers numerous advantages in terms of cost-efficiency and flexibility, it has also become a target for fraudulent activities and spam calls. In response to this challenge, ASTPP, a leading provider of open-source VoIP billing and softswitch solutions, introduces ASTPP STIR/SHAKEN, a robust Caller ID authentication solution designed to enhance the security and reliability of VoIP services.
The rise of VoIP technology has revolutionized communication by enabling voice calls to be transmitted over the internet, saving both individuals and businesses substantial amounts of money. However, the ease of setting up VoIP services has also made it an attractive target for malicious actors looking to engage in fraudulent activities, such as caller ID spoofing and robocalling.
Caller ID spoofing is a practice where scammers manipulate the caller ID information displayed on the recipient’s phone to disguise their true identity, making it challenging for users to identify the legitimacy of incoming calls. This deceptive tactic has serious implications, ranging from financial scams to identity theft and harassment.
To address these concerns, ASTPP has developed ASTPP STIR/SHAKEN, a comprehensive solution based on the Secure Telephony Identity Revisited (STIR) and Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using Tokens (SHAKEN) standards. These standards, endorsed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States, aim to establish a framework for verifying and authenticating caller ID information.
ASTPP STIR/SHAKEN employs a multi-layered approach to Caller ID authentication, providing VoIP providers with a robust defense against fraudulent activities:
1. Identity Verification: ASTPP STIR/SHAKEN verifies the legitimacy of the caller’s identity by validating the digital signature associated with the call, ensuring that the caller ID information has not been tampered with during transmission.
2. Attestation Levels: The solution classifies calls into different attestation levels (A, B, or C) based on the level of trustworthiness of the caller’s identity. This helps recipients distinguish between authenticated calls and those with lower levels of trust, allowing them to make more informed decisions.
3. Real-time Authentication: ASTPP STIR/SHAKEN operates in real-time, enabling VoIP providers to verify calls as they occur. This immediate authentication process minimizes the risk of fraudulent calls reaching their intended targets.
4. Secure Key Management: The solution employs secure key management practices to safeguard the cryptographic keys used in the authentication process, preventing unauthorized access and tampering.
5. Compliance with Regulations: By adopting ASTPP STIR/SHAKEN, VoIP providers can demonstrate their commitment to regulatory compliance, which is increasingly becoming a requirement in the telecommunications industry.
ASTPP STIR/SHAKEN offers numerous benefits to VoIP providers and end-users alike:
- Enhanced Caller Trust: With accurate caller ID information, users can trust incoming calls, reducing the risk of falling victim to scams or unwanted robocalls.
- Improved Call Quality: By authenticating calls at the network level, VoIP providers can prioritize legitimate traffic, leading to better call quality for end-users.
- Reduced Fraud and Spam: The solution effectively combats fraudulent activities, protecting both VoIP providers and their customers from financial losses and inconvenience.
- Regulatory Compliance: ASTPP STIR/SHAKEN assists VoIP providers in complying with regulatory requirements, ensuring their operations remain above board.
Commenting on the launch of ASTPP STIR/SHAKEN, Samir Doshi, CEO of ASTPP, said, “The proliferation of fraudulent calls and caller ID spoofing has eroded trust in voice communication. ASTPP STIR/SHAKEN is our response to this pressing issue. By implementing this solution, VoIP providers can offer their customers a more secure and reliable calling experience, ultimately bolstering the reputation of their services.”
ASTPP STIR/SHAKEN is available as an add-on module for ASTPP, the leading open-source VoIP billing and softswitch platform. VoIP providers can seamlessly integrate this solution into their existing infrastructure to enhance their caller ID authentication capabilities. ASTPP STIR/SHAKEN is compatible with major VoIP platforms and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each provider.
In conclusion, ASTPP STIR/SHAKEN represents a significant step forward in the fight against caller ID spoofing and fraudulent calls within the VoIP industry. By adopting this cutting-edge solution, VoIP providers can offer their customers a more secure and trustworthy communication experience, while also demonstrating their commitment to regulatory compliance. For more information about ASTPP STIR/SHAKEN and how it can benefit your VoIP services.
About ASTPP
ASTPP is a leading provider of open-source VoIP billing and softswitch solutions. With a global presence and a track record of innovation, ASTPP empowers VoIP service providers with the tools they need to deliver high-quality and cost-effective voice communication services.
