Software

STIR/SHAKEN: The Shield Against Unwanted Callers

STIR/SHAKEN isn’t just a fancy acronym; it’s a high-tech shield against unwanted and fraudulent phone calls. The acronym stands for “Secure Telephony Identity Revisited and Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using Tokens.”

When a call comes your way, STIR/SHAKEN examines the caller’s identity using digital certificates and cryptographic signatures—fancy ways of saying it checks to ensure the caller is who they claim to be. STIR/SHAKEN ensures no impostors slip through the cracks in a world riddled with spoofed or hijacked calls. 

In the United States, telecommunications companies use STIR/SHAKEN as part of the FCC’s battle plan against robocalls and other nuisances. The intention is to reduce the number of annoying spam calls consumers get. While STIR/SHAKEN might sound like techno-jargon, it’s your ally in the fight against unwanted calls, ensuring that the only voices you hear on the other end of the line are the ones you want to hear. Here is how STIR/SHAKEN shields against unwanted callers.

1. Blocking Function

The STIR/SHAKEN app’s blocking function empowers users to take control of their communication experience. You may use this function to block unwanted calls or messages from specific numbers. Using this cutting-edge application, you may create a blocklist of contacts, effectively muzzling these annoyances. For anyone receiving persistent and unwelcome calls or messages, this functionality provides peace of mind, ensuring those troublesome numbers will never intrude upon your personal space again.

Whether you’re seeking respite from spam calls, protecting yourself from harassment, or simply reclaiming your peace, the STIR SHAKEN app’s blocking feature is your guardian in the digital realm. This function benefits people who have received threatening or abusive calls or messages from specific people. 

2. Spam Detection

person holding turned-on silver iPhone 6 displaying user profile

The latest advancements in machine learning power the app’s spam detection feature. When you receive a call or message from an unfamiliar number, the app uses digital certificates to guarantee the security of the originating number for a phone call. It looks for signs and patterns that suggest a call or message might be spam. This app pieces clues from the vast mosaic of user interactions.

When the analysis is complete, the app determines whether it is “Spam” or “Not Spam.” Armed with this knowledge, users can decide how to proceed. You can block that number if the call or message is deemed spam, preventing further intrusions.

With spam calls and messages being an all-too-common annoyance, this feature is your digital shield against unwanted noise. It’s the power of collective wisdom and cutting-edge technology working together to keep your digital realm safe and serene.

3. Caller ID Spoofing Protection

woman holding silver iPhone 6

STIR/SHAKEN takes the fight against caller ID spoofing to the next level, employing advanced technology to protect your phone’s integrity. This app protects your online identity in a society where con artists want to trick and control people.

The app examines every incoming call before allowing access to your phone. It authenticates the call using cutting-edge techniques, ensuring the caller’s identity is appropriately represented on your screen. Doing this thwarts the schemes of those looking to trick you and guards against caller ID spoofing. 

In a time when trust is valued highly, STIR/SHAKEN is the reassurance that you can put your confidence in the identification presented when your phone calls. The app is the authenticity in today’s dynamic digital security environment, protecting your communications against fraud.

4. Personalized Settings

The STIR/SHAKEN software gives you control over your communication, where you can customize your experience to suit your needs. The software allows you to fine-tune your settings so that you are only informed when it is indispensable and only receive essential alerts for calls and texts. 

You may design your filters using the personalization function to cut through the clutter and draw attention to the most critical information. 

The software recognizes and lets you customize your privacy settings so that your digital life is as open or closed as possible. You also have the right to veto calls from annoying telemarketers and spammers. With just one tap, you may block them and experience continuous peace. 

The STIR/SHAKEN app creates the ideal digital communication experience with personalization and control as top priorities, giving you the keys to your digital kingdom. 

5. Community Reporting

a person holding a cell phone in their hand

STIR/SHAKEN is a digital neighborhood where users unite as a community, watching for each other’s well-being. It has a powerful “Community Reporting” feature for this purpose.

When you receive a suspicious call or endure a pattern of harassment, instead of dealing with it in isolation, you can contact your digital neighbors for support. With a few taps, you report the issue to the app’s community, creating a virtual watchtower of safety.

This collective effort transforms users into vigilant guardians, each playing a part in keeping the community informed and secure. You’re not alone in facing potential threats; you have an entire network of like-minded individuals standing by your side.

Since digital communication can sometimes feel impersonal and isolated, STIR/SHAKEN fosters a sense of belonging. When you’re part of STIR/SHAKEN, you’re a valued member of a digital community.

Bottom Line

STIR/SHAKEN is your guardian against unwanted callers using verification. It confirms the identity of a caller using digital certificates and cryptographic signatures. When STIR/SHAKEN is on the case, you can trust that the person on the other end of the line is who they claim to be. 

Implementing STIR/SHAKEN is a powerful anti-fraud force field for telecommunications companies. It reduces the deluge of fraudulent and spam calls that inundate consumers. The result is a secure phone experience free of scams and identity theft risks.

Since trust in phone calls has waned due to unwanted and deceitful communications, STIR/SHAKEN is a crucial step towards reclaiming the integrity of telecommunications, protecting consumers from harm, and rekindling trust in the industry.

Christopher Stern

Christopher Stern is a Washington-based reporter. Chris spent many years covering tech policy as a business reporter for renowned publications. He has extensive experience covering Congress, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Federal Trade Commissions. He is a graduate of Middlebury College. Email:[email protected]

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