Voice Network Defense via Carrier Reputation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spoofing techniques allow wrongdoers to make voice calls with false caller IDs, and once blocked, they can easily switch to another number, necessitating a system to manage voice calls based on the reputation of the telecommunication carrier rather than the number itself to prevent nefarious activities.
Innovation Solution
A voice communication network security system that determines the reputation of the telecommunication carrier associated with a calling number and takes real-time disposition actions such as accepting, blocking, or routing the call to an investigative entity based on pre-defined thresholds and reputation indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If spoofing techniques are used to change caller ID, then wrongdoers can make voice calls with false caller IDs to acquire personal data, but blocking certain caller IDs is ineffective since spoofed caller IDs are not reflective of the true calling party
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces telecommunication carrier reputation as an intermediary indicator to assess calling legitimacy. Instead of directly blocking based on caller ID (which can be spoofed), the system uses the reputation of the telecommunication carrier associated with the calling number as a mediator to determine whether to allow or block the call. This intermediary approach bypasses the spoofing problem by evaluating the carrier's trustworthiness rather than relying on the potentially false caller ID information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical blocking system (which blocks based on specific caller ID patterns) with a reputation-based evaluation system. Instead of using direct number matching and blocking mechanisms, the system substitutes a reputation assessment mechanism that evaluates the telecommunication carrier's historical performance and trustworthiness. This substitution transforms the blocking approach from reactive (blocking specific numbers) to proactive (preventing calls from carriers with poor reputations).
2Object-affected harmful factors
If wrongdoers acquire a large volume of valid numbers from telecommunication carriers, then they can use throw away numbers to continue nefarious activities after being blocked, but implementing security procedures to prevent users from acquiring large volumes of numbers reduces accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system monitors and evaluates the reputation of telecommunication carriers based on the behavior of their customers. When wrongdoers acquire multiple numbers and engage in nefarious activities, this information feeds back into the reputation assessment of the associated telecommunication carrier. The carrier's reputation score is updated based on this feedback, which then influences future call disposition decisions. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to evolving threats without imposing restrictive measures on legitimate users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the evaluation parameter from individual caller ID validation to telecommunication carrier reputation assessment. Instead of evaluating each calling number in isolation, the system changes the parameter to assess the overall reputation of the telecommunication carrier that issued the number. This parameter change allows the system to handle the problem of multiple throw-away numbers by evaluating the carrier's overall trustworthiness rather than tracking individual numbers, thereby maintaining accessibility while preventing abuse.
3Reliability
If voice calls are dispositioned based on calling number blocking, then spoofed calls can be blocked, but calls from valid numbers acquired by wrongdoers cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional blocking approach (evaluating individual caller IDs) to a two-dimensional approach by adding the telecommunication carrier reputation dimension. Instead of solely relying on the caller ID dimension, the system incorporates the carrier reputation dimension to evaluate calls. This dimensional expansion allows the system to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate calls even when both use valid numbers, by considering the reputation context of the telecommunication carrier associated with each number.
Data Source
AI summary
Voice communication network defense security which allows for managing and/or preventing voice calls based on which telecommunication carrier provided the calling number. By managing calls based on telecommunication carrier as opposed to the calling number, the present invention seeks to prevent intrusion by wrongdoers who may otherwise be in possession with an unlimited supply of calling numbers. Further, by implementing the security measures at the voice communication network perimeter, voice calls can be managed and/or prevented/block in real-time while the call is in a pre-answer state. As a result, the present invention provides the capability to prevent/block wrongdoers from accessing the intra-voice communication network or, at a minimum ensures that potential wrongdoers are properly vetted through an investigative process.