As fraudulent communications such as spoofing numbers, scam calls, and illegitimate caller ID manipulation continue to pose significant threats to users and networks worldwide, it is critical to implement robust, trustworthy security mechanisms across existing and future telephone networks. 

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is at the forefront of developing international standards that leverage digital public-key certificates to authenticate Calling Line Identification (CLI) and strengthen the security of existing telephone networks. 

The key objectives of the Workshop are to raise awareness about the growing threats posed by fraudulent communications, present current ITU initiatives related to the use of digital public-key certificates for authenticating Calling Line Identification (CLI), and facilitate international collaboration among all interested stakeholders to address this global issue.​​

A dedicated roundtable discussion will bring together key stakeholders from government agencies, telecom operators, financial institutions, standards bodies, and cybersecurity experts to engage in an open and solutions-oriented dialogue. It will offer an open forum to discuss the adoption of ITU signalling security standards, supporting the creation of a trusted global framework for secure interconnection - ultimately reinforcing the global telecommunications infrastructure against fraudulent communications. This session will be critical for generating consensus and fostering commitment toward a collective action. 

The objectives of the Workshop are (but not limited to): 

• Raise awareness about the growing threats posed by fraudulent communications, including spoofing, scam calls, and illegitimate caller ID manipulation (e.g. threats for financing institutions); 
  
• Promote international collaboration among regulators, operators, vendors, and other stakeholders to address fraudulent communications; 
• Explore existing countermeasures deployed by different stakeholders and assess their effectiveness in combating fraud using telecom networks; 
  
• Present and discuss current ITU initiatives related to the use of digital public-key certificates for authenticating Calling Line Identification (CLI); 
  
• Showcase emerging solutions and technologies being developed or considered within ITU; 
  
• Clarify technical requirements and frameworks; 
  
• Facilitate stakeholder input on the ongoing development and adoption of ITU signalling security standards; 
  
• Encourage alignment of global practices toward a secure and trustworthy telecommunications ecosystem; 
  
• Support capacity building through knowledge-sharing and best practices related to telecom security and standardization; 
  
• Foster consensus on the next steps for implementing secure interconnection mechanisms globally. ​

Target Audience 

Participation in the event is open to ITU Member States, Sector Members, Associates and Academic Institutions and to any individual from a country that is a member of ITU, who wishes to contribute to the work. This includes individuals who are also members of international, regional and national organizations, interested stakeholders, including telecom operators, regulators, Standard Development Organizations and financial institutions. Participation in the Workshop is free of charge. 

Remote Participation: To access the virtual room, connect to our Restricted Virtual E​vents platform​ (using your ITU USER Account used for your registration). The event will be listed with an “OPEN” link to connect to the Zoom session.