New Cyber Security Laws For Telecoms Providers

New UK telecom security regulations, which has been developed with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the telecom regulator, Ofcom, is among the strongest in the world, providing tougher protection for the UK from cyber threats, which could cause network failure or the theft of sensitive data. 

The UK government published a public consultation response earlier this month, outlining some of the changes that have been made to the regulations and code of practice. 

The government has been clear in its ambition to make the United Kingdom a world leader in digital connectivity. Over 69% of the country has access to gigabit-capable broadband, and the government’s ambition for the majority of the population to have access to a 5G signal by 2027 has been delivered five years early.. But we know that today the security and resilience of our communications networks and services is more important than ever. From heightened geopolitical threats through to malicious cyber criminals exploiting network vulnerabilities, global events have shown the importance of providing world-leading security for our networks and services,” say the UK government’s Minister introducing the Report.

Although not yet integrated into the actual framework and remain drafted, the UK plans to implement the updates in October. The consultation is about the adoption of the Telecommunications Security Act, which was developed alongside the National Cyber Security Centre in November 2021.

The October framework, however, will impose unprecedented security regulations designed to protect UK telecom networks against cyber attacks targeting the industry. 

The regulations span several different areas of concern, such as data, software and equipment protection, risk assessment, and anomaly detection. Part of the Telecommunications (Security) Act, the new regulations give the government power to set security standards for mobile and broadband networks. This covers both hardware and software at mast sites and in telephone exchanges that handle Internet traffic as well as phone calls.

Telecom providers will also have to fulfill additional legal duties which include:-

• Identifying and assessing risks to edge equipment.

• Keeping control of who can make network-wide changes.

• Protecting against specific malicious signaling.

• Understanding risks facing their networks.

On the last point the telecoms operator must be able to identify when anomalous activity is taking place and be able to report it, as well as take account of supply chain risks and make changes to the operation of their networks and services to enhance security.

UK.Gov:    UK.Gov:     Oodaloop:    TEISS:      Infosecurity Magazine:    Techmonitor:    TotalTele: 

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