How RCS and Phone Number Authentication Enhance Digital Security

Although it’s been around for more than a decade, Rich Communication Services (RCS) is finally having its moment in the spotlight by actively revolutionizing the telecom landscape and establishing messaging as the cornerstone of consumer engagement and commerce. The impact of RCS is evident in its rapid adoption. In 2024, for example, brands significantly embraced RCS, with usage growing by 111% during Black Friday and Cyber Monday compared to 2023. In addition, brands that used RCS saw open rates of 53%, supported by verified and authenticated senders, highlighting its effectiveness in consumer engagement. Furthermore, RCS is expected to generate 18% of operators' business messaging revenue globally by 2029, underscoring its growing significance in the telecom ecosystem.

In this five-part series, “RCS Unveiled: The Future of Messaging,” we will dive into RCS – from why there’s a renewed focus on this messaging protocol to how it’s transforming the telecom ecosystem and customer engagement, securing commercial communications, and how it’s playing into industry’s KYB and KYC initiatives and more.

A phone number is more than just a contact detail, it’s a primary form of digital identity. Consumers use their phone numbers to access services, verify accounts and engage with businesses. Meanwhile, companies rely on phone numbers to authenticate customers and confirm call and message legitimacy. However, vulnerabilities such as number spoofing and hijacking have made phone-based digital identities less secure.

RCS helps address these concerns by supporting robust authentication mechanisms. By requiring sender verification, RCS ensures that businesses can confidently communicate with consumers without the risk of impersonation. This additional layer of security makes customers more likely to trust and engage with business messaging.

Phone number authentication through RCS also supports Know Your Business (KYB) and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, which are essential for maintaining security in digital transactions. KYB verifies that businesses are legitimate when they send messages from their phone number identity, while KYC ensures that users are who they claim to be. This dual-layer verification process significantly mitigates fraud risks.

Additionally, RCS authentication helps mobile operators comply  with regulatory mandates, such as SIM swap and port protection measures. These safeguards prevent cybercriminals from taking control of a user’s phone number, further strengthening digital security.

iconectiv is working toward addressing these various security challenges by implementing robust vetting processes, cryptographic verification and fraud detection signals. By integrating secure authentication and Identity proofing methods with advanced messaging capabilities, the mobile operators are redefining digital security with RCS, making business communications safer and more trustworthy for businesses and consumers alike.