STIR/SHAKEN for VoIP security is essential in protecting businesses from the growing threat of caller ID spoofing.
Imagine answering what appears to be a call from your bank, only to realize moments later that you’ve been scammed. Caller ID spoofing is a growing threat, costing businesses and consumers millions in fraud each year. If your business relies on VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), failing to secure your communications could mean lost trust, data breaches, and compliance fines.
The STIR/SHAKEN framework is the telecommunications industry’s answer to this problem, ensuring VoIP security by verifying caller identity and preventing spoofed calls from reaching their target. With the FCC mandating its implementation, businesses must understand how STIR/SHAKEN works and why adopting a STIR/SHAKEN-compliant VoIP provider is essential.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✔ What STIR/SHAKEN is and how it works
✔ Why STIR/SHAKEN is critical for VoIP security
✔ Common challenges with STIR/SHAKEN implementation
✔ How TeleCloud ensures STIR/SHAKEN compliance for businesses like yours
What is STIR/SHAKEN for VoIP Security?
STIR (Secure Telephony Identity Revisited) and SHAKEN (Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using Tokens) are protocols designed to authenticate caller IDs in VoIP phone systems and prevent fraudulent calls from reaching businesses and consumers.
Here’s how it works:
- Caller Verification – The VoIP provider of the caller digitally signs the call using a certificate.
- Cross-Network Authentication – The recipient’s VoIP provider checks this certificate to verify if the call is legitimate or spoofed.
- Call Labeling or Blocking – Calls without proper authentication are flagged or blocked, reducing the number of scam and robocalls.
According to the FCC, “STIR/SHAKEN ensures that a call recipient can trust that the caller ID information is accurate,” reducing fraud and improving trust in phone communications (FCC.gov).
Why STIR/SHAKEN is Essential for VoIP Security
✅ Prevents Caller ID Spoofing
Caller ID spoofing allows scammers to impersonate businesses, banks, and government agencies. STIR/SHAKEN stops these calls before they reach you, reducing the risk of fraud.
✅ FCC Compliance is Now Required
As of June 30, 2021, all major VoIP providers must comply with STIR/SHAKEN regulations or face penalties. Businesses using VoIP must ensure their service provider is compliant to avoid security risks and legal issues.
✅ Boosts Trust and Call Answer Rates
Customers are more likely to answer calls from verified numbers. STIR/SHAKEN ensures your calls display accurate caller ID information, helping sales, customer support, and operations teams reach more people.
✅ Reduces Robocalls and Spam
Robocalls account for over 4 billion spam calls per month in the U.S. alone. By blocking unverified calls, STIR/SHAKEN significantly reduces spam-related disruptions.
Challenges with STIR/SHAKEN for VoIP Security
While STIR/SHAKEN is a game-changer for VoIP security, it’s not a perfect solution due to the following challenges:
- Not All Networks are Compliant Yet – Smaller VoIP carriers and international networks may not yet support STIR/SHAKEN, allowing some fraudulent calls to slip through.
- Non-IP Networks Are Not Covered – Traditional landlines and older systems aren’t compatible with STIR/SHAKEN, limiting full adoption.
- Implementation Costs for Some Providers – While large VoIP providers have made the transition, some businesses using outdated VoIP systems may need upgrades to ensure compatibility.
Despite these limitations, choosing a fully STIR/SHAKEN-compliant VoIP provider eliminates most spoofing threats and ensures ongoing compliance with FCC regulations.
How to Ensure Your Business is Protected with STIR/SHAKEN for VoIP Security
To fully protect your VoIP communications from spoofing attacks, follow these best practices:
1. Choose a STIR/SHAKEN-Compliant VoIP Provider
Not all VoIP providers are fully compliant with STIR/SHAKEN yet. Ensure your provider digitally signs and verifies all outgoing and incoming calls to protect your business from spoofed traffic.
2. Educate Employees on Recognizing Spoofed Calls
Even with STIR/SHAKEN, some fraudulent calls can still get through non-compliant carriers. Train employees to verify suspicious calls before sharing sensitive information.
3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication for VoIP Systems
Adding multi-factor authentication (MFA) ensures only authorized users access your VoIP network, preventing internal breaches.
4. Monitor VoIP Traffic and Call Logs
Regularly auditing call records helps detect unusual patterns or spoofing attempts, allowing for proactive security measures.
How TeleCloud Ensures STIR/SHAKEN Compliance and VoIP Security
At TeleCloud, we prioritize VoIP security by ensuring full STIR/SHAKEN compliance for all business communications.
Here’s how we protect your business:
✔ Automated Call Verification – Every outbound call is digitally signed and authenticated, eliminating caller ID spoofing risks.
✔ AI-Powered Spam & Fraud Detection – Machine learning algorithms detect and block fraudulent calls before they reach your team.
✔ Seamless Integration with Existing VoIP Systems – Our STIR/SHAKEN compliance works with your existing VoIP phone system.
✔ FCC Compliance Without Hassle – Businesses using TeleCloud’s VoIP services are fully compliant with FCC regulations, removing legal and security risks.
Final Thoughts: Secure Your Business with STIR/SHAKEN for VoIP Security
Caller ID spoofing is a serious cybersecurity threat that can cost businesses time, money, and customer trust. With the FCC’s mandate for STIR/SHAKEN, businesses must act now to ensure their VoIP provider is compliant and equipped to protect against spoofed calls.
At TeleCloud, we take VoIP security seriously. Our STIR/SHAKEN-compliant VoIP solutions ensure every call is legitimate, verified, and secure.
📞 Ready to protect your business from caller ID spoofing? Contact TeleCloud today for a free VoIP security consultation.
