With the growing threat of cyber attacks, the British government has decided to require broadband and mobile companies to follow several security guidelines in order to protect their networks.
Under the new regulations, these companies must protect the data transmitted through their networks and services and ensure that the functions that allow the networks to operate and be managed are secure. In addition, companies must protect any software or devices used to analyze their networks and services in order to respond in the event of any anomalies.
The guidance also states that companies should be aware of the risks to their networks and be able to identify strange activities and report them regularly to their internal boards. Finally, the U.K. government says these companies should consider supply chain risks and control who has access to and changes in the operation of networks and services.
UK Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman said.
"We know how damaging a cyber attack on critical infrastructure can be, and broadband and mobile networks are central to our way of life. We are strengthening the protection of these critical networks by introducing one of the world's most stringent telecommunications security regimes to protect our communications from current and future threats."
The UK government plans to put these measures into law soon, along with a code of conduct. Once they become law, Ofcom will have the power to inspect premises and systems to ensure they meet the standards. If they fail to meet their obligations, companies will be fined up to 10 percent of their turnover or £100,000 (about RMB 807,000) per day if they continue to disregard the rules.
