To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to protect the UK’s future 5G infrastructure against cyberattacks.
Answered on
1 August 2019
The security and resilience of the UK's telecoms network is of paramount importance. Section 105a of the Communications Act 2003 requires telecoms operators to have appropriate measures in place to manage risks to the security of networks and services. The 5G Testbeds and Trials Programme has allocated £10 million to create capabilities where the security of 5G networks can be tested and proven, working with the National Cyber Security Centre.
Furthermore, the Government has recently announced a strengthened security framework for 5G infrastructure following a thorough, evidence-based review of the 5G supply chain, which can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/819469/CCS001_CCS0719559014-001_Telecoms_Security_and_Resilience_Accessible.pdf. This raises the security bar through new, strengthened security requirements that will ensure telecoms providers meet new challenges as 5G technology evolves. It also sets out plans for a strengthened legislative and regulatory framework to enforce these requirements.