STIR/SHAKEN is a caller ID authentication framework designed to reduce illegal robocalls and caller ID spoofing. It helps telephone service providers verify that a caller is authorized to use the phone number displayed on the recipient’s device.
By verifying caller identity, STIR/SHAKEN improves trust in phone calls and makes it more difficult for scammers to impersonate legitimate businesses.
Why Was STIR/SHAKEN Introduced?
Caller ID spoofing has become one of the most common techniques used in phone scams. Fraudsters often display trusted phone numbers to trick people into answering calls.
To address this problem, the telecommunications industry developed STIR/SHAKEN, allowing providers to digitally verify the identity of outbound calls before they reach recipients.
As a result, businesses can improve call authenticity while helping carriers identify potentially fraudulent traffic.
How Does STIR/SHAKEN Work?
STIR/SHAKEN uses digital certificates to verify the caller’s identity.
A typical verification process works as follows:
- A business places an outbound call.
- The originating provider verifies the caller’s right to use the phone number.
- The provider digitally signs the call using a secure certificate.
- The receiving carrier validates the digital signature.
- The recipient receives a verified call whenever verification succeeds.
If the verification fails, carriers may flag, filter, or block the call depending on their spam prevention policies.
What Does STIR and SHAKEN Stand For?
STIR stands for:
Secure Telephone Identity Revisited
SHAKEN stands for:
Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using toKENs
Although they are separate standards, they work together to authenticate caller identity across modern telephone networks.
What Is Attestation?
Attestation represents the level of confidence that a provider has in the caller’s identity.
There are three attestation levels.
Full Attestation (A)
The provider:
- Knows the customer.
- Has verified the customer’s identity.
- Confirms the customer is authorized to use the calling number.
This provides the highest level of trust.
Partial Attestation (B)
The provider knows the customer but cannot fully verify ownership of the calling number.
Calls can still be authenticated, although the confidence level is lower than Full Attestation.
Gateway Attestation (C)
The provider receives the call from another network but cannot verify the caller’s identity or ownership of the phone number.
This provides the lowest level of confidence.
What Are the Benefits of STIR/SHAKEN?
Businesses benefit from STIR/SHAKEN in several ways:
- Reduces caller ID spoofing
- Improves customer trust
- Helps legitimate calls reach recipients
- Supports industry compliance requirements
- Reduces fraudulent robocalls
- Improves caller authentication
Additionally, verified calls are less likely to appear suspicious to receiving carriers.
Does STIR/SHAKEN Stop All Spam Calls?
No.
STIR/SHAKEN significantly reduces caller ID spoofing, but it does not eliminate every unwanted or fraudulent call.
For example, scammers can still use legitimately purchased phone numbers or other techniques that fall outside caller ID authentication.
Consequently, carriers combine STIR/SHAKEN with spam detection systems, analytics, and call reputation services to improve overall protection.
Who Needs STIR/SHAKEN?
STIR/SHAKEN primarily benefits:
- Business phone system providers
- Contact centers
- VoIP providers
- Enterprises making outbound calls
- Organizations handling high call volumes
Businesses that regularly contact customers should ensure their communications comply with current industry requirements.
Does DialNext Support STIR/SHAKEN?
DialNext is committed to supporting secure and reliable business communications.
Support for caller authentication depends on carrier capabilities, number types, and applicable telecommunications regulations. If you have questions about STIR/SHAKEN support for your phone numbers, please contact the DialNext support team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does STIR/SHAKEN Block Spam Calls?
No. It authenticates caller identity and helps carriers identify spoofed calls, but it does not block every spam call.
Is STIR/SHAKEN Required?
In many regions, including the United States, major voice providers must implement caller ID authentication requirements established by regulators.
Does STIR/SHAKEN Apply to SMS?
No. STIR/SHAKEN applies to voice calls. SMS messaging uses different compliance frameworks, such as A2P 10DLC for business messaging in the United States.
Can International Calls Use STIR/SHAKEN?
Support for international calls varies depending on participating carriers, network infrastructure, and local regulations.
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Additional Resources
Learn more about STIR/SHAKEN from the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS):
Need Help?
If you have questions about caller authentication, business phone numbers, or outbound calling compliance, contact us at help@dialnext.io.
