Security and compliance are at the heart of every organisation’s customer communication strategy. Falling behind on regulations doesn’t just risk eroding customer trust – it can also disrupt critical services.
We’re launching a 3-part blog series in which we explore the key security and compliance requirements shaping modern communication – from AI deployments to RegTech and Sender IDs. In each, we’ll highlight how we help organisations safeguard their communications, simplify compliance and stay ahead of changing requirements – while supporting smooth, successful deployments.
In this first article, we focus on Sender ID compliance: what it is, why it matters, and how we make it simple for you to stay secure and compliant.
What is a Sender ID?
A Sender ID is the name or number that appears in the “from” field when you receive a text message (SMS) or an email. Think of it as your digital signature in customer communications – it tells recipients who the message is from and helps them decide whether to trust it.
In SMS messaging, a Sender ID can take several forms:
- A short code (for example, 12345)
- A long number, like a phone number
- An alphanumeric Sender ID, where the number is replaced with a brand name (such as Engage Hub) for instant recognition
In email, the Sender ID is usually the sending domain that identifies who sent the message. It’s linked to authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM and DMARC, which validate the sender and protect against spoofing.
Why do Sender IDs matter?
Your Sender ID is more than just a technical identifier – it’s the face of your brand in your customers’ inboxes and on their mobile devices. It’s the first thing they see when a message arrives, and it instantly signals who the message is from. A clear, recognisable Sender ID not only strengthens brand identity but reassures customers that your message is genuine.
The critical issue here is trust. Customers rely on your Sender ID to know that an alert, marketing campaign or service notification is authentic and relevant. But if your Sender ID isn’t properly safeguarded, fraudsters can spoof it to send fake messages – a tactic used in smishing and phishing attacks. For example, many people receive text messages that appear to come from their bank urging them to click a link or confirm account details. Even a single successful spoof like this can put customers at risk and undermine confidence in your business.
The consequences of a compromised Sender ID go beyond missed messages. It can damage customer trust, erode brand reputation and even impact revenue. In the current environment of rising fraud and heightened security concerns, protecting your Sender ID has never been more important.
What steps should you take to safeguard your organisation’s Sender ID and keep communications secure?
1. Register and verify your Sender IDs
Carriers and regulators increasingly require businesses to register their Sender IDs as part of efforts to reduce spam and fraud. Registration:
- Helps prove that you’re a legitimate sender
- Improves deliverability by avoiding unnecessary filtering
- Demonstrates compliance with local regulations – especially in markets with strict telecom oversight
Working with a trusted partner can simplify this process across multiple regions and carriers, reducing complexity and ensuring consistency worldwide.
2. Implement strong authentication protocols
Protect your messaging infrastructure with SPF, DKIM and DMARC. These protocols verify that your messages genuinely originate from your domain and haven’t been tampered with in transit.
- SPF confirms which servers are authorised to send messages on your behalf
- DKIM adds a cryptographic signature to each message
- DMARC ties the two together, enforcing policies and flagging suspicious activity
Together, they provide a strong first line of defence against spoofing and impersonation.
3. Educate customers to recognise fraudulent behaviour
Even with strong safeguards in place, some fraudulent messages can still slip through. That’s why customer awareness is critical.
Use consistent Sender IDs and message formats, avoid suspicious-looking links, and make it clear that your organisation will never request sensitive details (such as PINs or full passwords) via SMS. Well-informed customers are one of the strongest defences against fraud.
4. Work with a trusted messaging partner
Safeguarding your Sender ID isn’t only about technology – it’s also about partnership. A trusted messaging provider:
- Works closely with carriers, regulators and enterprises to stay ahead of evolving regulations
- Provides round-the-clock monitoring and fraud detection
- Delivers secure, scalable omni-channel communication
With the right partner, you can strengthen security while ensuring the speed, reliability and reach your customers expect.
What changes are ComReg making to Sender ID practices?
To strengthen trust and security in A2P (Application-to-Person) messaging, ComReg has introduced a new regulatory framework and an SMS Sender ID Registry in Ireland.
Since 3 July 2025, all SMS messages sent to Irish handsets using an Alpha Sender ID must be registered and approved – meaning that any unregistered IDs are now flagged as “Likely Scam”.
Messages sent via long codes or short codes are not impacted, but for organisations that rely on Alpha Sender IDs, compliance is essential. Acting early not only protects message delivery but also safeguards brand reputation and customer trust.
This new framework marks a significant shift in how businesses communicate with Irish consumers – moving from an open messaging environment to a trusted, curated system where only verified senders can reach their audience. By ensuring compliance, organisations can demonstrate legitimacy, reduce fraud risks, and maintain seamless communication with their customers.
How does Engage Hub’s Sender ID solution ensure full compliance with the new ComReg regulatory framework?
Our Sender ID solution is designed to take the complexity out of compliance. Under ComReg’s new framework, all SMS messages sent to Irish handsets using an Alpha Sender ID must be registered and approved. By registering your Sender ID and nominating us as your messaging partner, the approved ID is automatically synced with the Engage Hub platform – giving you secure, compliant and uninterrupted message delivery.
Thanks to direct API integration with ComReg’s Sender ID Registry, all registered IDs are updated daily. This means that as soon as your Sender ID is approved, it becomes instantly available on our platform. You don’t need to manage the process manually – compliance is built in.
Beyond the technology, our dedicated professional services team is on hand to guide you through registration, deployment and ongoing support. The result is a seamless compliance process that ensures your messages continue to reach customers reliably and securely.
Benefits at a glance:
- Automatic daily sync with ComReg’s Sender ID Registry
- Hands-on guidance from our professional services team
- Approved IDs instantly available on our platform
- Secure, compliant and uninterrupted communication
Building trust through compliance
Your Sender ID is the digital handshake between your brand and your customers – and safeguarding it isn’t optional. But with the right partner, compliance doesn’t have to be complex. By combining registration, authentication, monitoring, education and trusted partnerships, you can protect your reputation, maintain customer trust, and ensure your messages reach their destination.
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In the next blogs in this series, we’ll explore other areas of security and compliance, including safeguarding your AI deployments and RegTech. Together, these practices create a stronger, safer foundation for customer communication.
Want to know more about securing your communications? Get in touch with our team to learn how Engage Hub can help.
