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 was 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 brought 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 offered 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. The session was critical for generating consensus and fostering commitment toward a collective action. 

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

• Raising awareness about the growing threats posed by fraudulent communications, including spoofing, scam calls, and illegitimate caller ID manipulation (e.g. threats for financing institutions); 
  
• Promoting international collaboration among regulators, operators, vendors, and other stakeholders to address fraudulent communications; 
• Exploring existing countermeasures deployed by different stakeholders and assess their effectiveness in combating fraud using telecom networks; 
  
• Presenting and discussing 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; 
  
• Clarifying technical requirements and frameworks; 
  
• Facilitating stakeholder input on the ongoing development and adoption of ITU signalling security standards; 
  
• Encouraging alignment of global practices toward a secure and trustworthy telecommunications ecosystem; 
  
• Supporting capacity building through knowledge-sharing and best practices related to telecom security and standardization; 
  
• Fostering consensus on the next steps for implementing secure interconnection mechanisms globally. ​

Target Audience 

Participation in the event was 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 was free of charge. 

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