The UK will be far better protected against cyberthreats that might result in network failure or the theft of critical data according to the new telecommunications security standards, which will be among the toughest in the world.
The Telecommunications (Security) Act, which went into effect in November, grants the government the authority to raise the security standards of the UK’s mobile and broadband networks, including the electronic hardware and software at phone mast sites and in telephone exchanges that handle internet traffic and phone calls.
Currently, telecom companies are in charge of establishing their own network security standards. However, the Telecoms Supply Chain Review of the government discovered that providers often lack incentives to use the best security standards.
In order for UK public telecommunications providers to fulfill their legal obligations under the Act, the new rules and code of practice, which were established in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Centre and Ofcom, outline particular activities. By incorporating sound security procedures into service providers’ long-term investment choices and the regular operation of their networks and services, they will increase the UK’s cyber resilience.
Following a response to a public consultation on the rules that was released today, the government has verified the content of the final regulations. The rules are designed to ensure that providers safeguard the data handled by their networks and services and secure the vital operations that enable them to be run and controlled.
safeguard the software and hardware used to analyze and monitor their networks and services.have frequent reporting to internal boards, a thorough awareness of their security concerns, and the capacity to recognize when suspicious behavior is occurring.account for supply chain hazards, comprehend and restrict who has access to, and alter how their networks and services are operated in order to increase securityMatt Warman, minister of digital infrastructure, said:
Our internet and mobile networks are essential to our way of life, and we are aware of the harm that cyber assaults on vital infrastructure may do.By implementing one of the strongest telecom security regimes in the world that protects our communications from both present and future threats, we are stepping up safeguards for these crucial networks.
Dr. Ian Levy, technical director at NCSC, said:
Our everyday life, our economy, and the important services we all rely on are all becoming more and more dependent on our telecom networks.These new rules will guarantee that the infrastructure supporting such networks, as well as their security and resilience, are fit for the long term.
The rules and a draft code of practice outlining how providers should abide by them will soon be introduced as secondary legislation in Parliament.The new legal obligations will be overseen, monitored, and enforced by Ofcom, who also has the authority to conduct inspections of the facilities and IT infrastructure of telecom companies to verify compliance. The regulator may impose penalties of up to 10% of sales or, in the instance of a persistent violation, £100,000 per day if firms fail to fulfill their obligations.
From October, providers will be subject to the new regulations, and Ofcom may use its new authority to make sure that providers are taking reasonable and proportional steps to fulfill their security obligations and adhere to the code of practice’s recommendations. This entails locating and evaluating the danger to any “edge” technology that is open to prospective attackers. This comprises radio masts and customer-provided internet tools like Wi-Fi routers and modems that serve as network entry points while strictly limiting who may establish network connections -wide modifications preventing certain harmful signaling from entering the network that might cause disruptions; being aware of the hazards to their networksensuring that corporate procedures complement security (e.g. proper board accountability)
By March 2024, providers must have accomplished these goals. Additional deadlines for completing additional measures will be outlined in the code of practice. To guarantee that it keeps up with any developing cyber threats, the code will be updated on a regular basis.
Remarks for editorsPublic telecommunications companies, vendors, and trade associations responded to the government’s survey. In its response, the government outlines how those opinions were taken into account and incorporated in the final Regulations and draft Code of Practice.
Technical updates made as a result of the consultation include:
Clarification is needed to make sure that security measures are focused on the network components that most urgently need protection, such as the new software tools that enable 5G networks.Additional advice on national resilience, security patching, and legacy network safeguards should be included to assist providers comprehend the necessary steps.
A legislative instrument will be used to introduce the Electronic Communications (Security Measures) Regulations into Parliament via the negative process.
The Telecommunications (Security) Act of 2021, which modified section 105F of the Communications Act 2003, stipulates that the proposed code of practice must be submitted before Parliament. For forty sitting days, the code of practice will be available in draft form for consideration by the Parliament before being released and made public.
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