From Compliance to Resilience: Strengthening Cybersecurity for UK Telecoms

Executive Summary

This whitepaper provides an overview of the Telecoms (Security) Act 2021, introduced by the UK government to enforce cyber security standards in the Telecoms industry. The Act grants regulatory powers to Ofcom and sets specific security requirements through accompanying regulations and codes of practice. It focuses on areas such as supply chain security, board-level responsibility, technical security controls, and network segmentation. The Act categorises Telecommunications Network Operators based on revenue, with Tier 1 and Tier 2 companies having mandatory compliance obligations, Tier 3 having voluntary compliance, and micro-entities being exempt. Compliance deadlines are established for different phases of controls.

This whitepaper aims to equip readers with the necessary knowledge to navigate the regulatory landscape, implement robust security measures, and ensure compliance. By adhering to the Act's requirements, organisations can enhance their cyber resilience, protect critical infrastructure, and maintain public trust in the security of their telecommunications services.

Key Points from the Telecoms (Security) Act 2021:

The Telecoms (Security) Act 2021 encompasses a range of key points that are instrumental in reinforcing cyber security standards within the Telecoms industry. This significant legislation grants regulatory powers to Ofcom, sets specific security requirements, and establishes compliance obligations for Telecommunications Network Operators and service providers. From addressing supply chain security and board-level responsibility to implementing technical security controls and imposing restrictions on links with specific countries, the Act aims to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure and mitigate cyber risks. In this section, we present the key points from the Telecoms (Security) Act 2021, providing a concise overview of the pivotal aspects that organisations in the Telecoms sector need to understand and adhere to in order to ensure robust cyber security practices.

These key points highlight the focus of the Telecoms (Security) Act 2021 on enforcing cyber security standards, supply chain security, governance, technical measures, and the restriction of links with specific countries. Compliance with these requirements is crucial for enhancing cyber resilience, protecting national infrastructure, and mitigating risks associated with certain foreign nations.

I. Introduction

A. Background and significance of cyber security in the Telecoms industry

The Telecoms industry in the UK serves as critical infrastructure that enables communication, connectivity, and the transfer of information across the nation. With the increasing reliance on digital technologies and the interconnected nature of telecommunications networks, the importance of robust cyber security measures cannot be overstated. The UK faces a growing number of cyber threats, ranging from opportunistic hackers to state-sponsored actors, who seek to exploit vulnerabilities within the Telecoms sector. According to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in the UK, there has been a significant increase in cyber-attacks targeting the Telecoms industry. In 2020, there was a 20% increase in cyber incidents reported by Telecommunications Network Operators compared to the previous year. These attacks continue to grow in sophistication and frequency, posing significant risks to the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of telecommunications networks. As technology advances, so do the tactics and capabilities of cyber criminals, necessitating proactive measures to address emerging threats.

Telecommunications networks are not only essential for enabling everyday communications but also support critical functions such as emergency services, government operations, financial transactions, and transportation systems. Any compromise in the security of these networks can have far-reaching consequences, including economic disruption and threats to national security.

One example highlighting the significance of cyber security in the Telecoms industry is the ban imposed by the UK government on the use of equipment from high-risk vendors, such as Huawei, in the development of the country's 5G networks. This decision was driven by concerns over the potential compromise of national security and the need to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats. The deployment of advanced technologies such as 5G and fibre optic networks further amplifies the need for robust cyber security in the UK Telecoms industry. These networks offer increased data speeds, enhanced connectivity, and the ability to support a wide range of innovative applications. However, they also introduce new security challenges due to their complexity and expanded attack surface. Securing these advanced networks is crucial to protect critical infrastructure and maintain public trust in the reliability and security of telecommunications services.

B. Introduction of new legislation by the UK government

Recognising the criticality of cyber security in the Telecoms industry, the UK government has introduced new legislation to enforce stringent security standards and protect national infrastructure which aims to address the evolving cyber threat landscape and ensure the resilience of the Telecoms sector against cyber-attacks; it also underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding the nation's critical communications networks and enhancing the overall security posture of the industry. The key legislative development in this context is the Telecoms (Security) Act 2021. This Act extends and strengthens the existing regulatory framework set out in the Telecommunications Act 2003 to tackle the emerging challenges in cyber security. It grants regulatory powers to Ofcom, the UK's independent communications regulator, to enforce security requirements and oversee compliance within the Telecoms industry.

The introduction of this legislation signifies a paradigm shift in the approach to cyber security within the Telecoms industry. It acknowledges the need for comprehensive security measures and robust governance frameworks to mitigate cyber risks effectively. By enforcing these requirements, the UK government aims to enhance the overall cyber resilience of the Telecoms sector, protect critical infrastructure, and maintain public trust in the security of telecommunications services. It is important to note that this is not an isolated event but a continuous effort by the UK government to adapt to the evolving threat landscape. The government has been seen to actively collaborate with industry stakeholders, security agencies, and international partners to stay updated on emerging threats and develop appropriate measures to counter them.

The Telecoms (Security) Act 2021 serves as a cornerstone of this ongoing commitment to strengthening cyber security in the Telecoms industry.

C. Objectives and scope of the whitepaper

The aim of this whitepaper is to provide a comprehensive overview of the Telecoms (Security) Act 2021 introduced by the UK government to enforce cyber security standards in the Telecoms industry. It will:

Educate readers about the background, significance, and implications of the new legislation.

Outline the specific requirements and compliance obligations for Telecommunications Network Operators, service providers, and other entities within the Telecoms industry.

Provide insights into the regulatory powers granted to Ofcom and the security standards outlined in the Electronic Communications (Security Measures) Regulations 2022 (EC(SM)R) and the Telecoms Security Code of Practice 2022.

Explain the categorisation of Telco based on revenue and the corresponding compliance obligations for each tier.

Highlight important provisions, such as restrictions on links with certain countries, continuity planning for critical functions, board-level responsibility for security, technical security controls, network segmentation, risk management, and confidentiality of network data.

Discuss the importance of infrastructure-as-code and automation in enhancing security and operational efficiency.

Provide guidance on compliance with the legislation.

Ultimately, this whitepaper endeavours to equip readers with the tools and information needed to enhance cyber security practices, protect critical infrastructure, and bolster the overall resilience of the Telecoms sector in the face of evolving cyber threats.