Security in telecommunications and information technology: An overview of issues and the deployment of existing ITU-T recommendations for secure telecommunications

Summary

The ITU-T security manual addresses the challenges of maintaining security in a rapidly evolving communications infrastructure. As global commerce and communication expand, the reliance on standards from organizations like ITU-T has enhanced productivity but also increased vulnerabilities due to open interfaces, diverse applications, and insufficiently tested implementations. The manual outlines ITU-T’s approach to securing communication networks through a framework based on ITU-T Recommendation X.805, which includes eight security dimensions: privacy, data confidentiality, authentication, integrity, non-repudiation, access control, communication security, and availability.

It distinguishes key security terms—vulnerability, threat, and risk—and emphasizes that security risks arise from the interaction of these factors. The manual details mechanisms and infrastructures, such as public key and privilege management systems, essential for effective security. It also provides insights into specific applications like voice over IP and health care, describing how ITU-T standards address security for these services. Additionally, it includes a catalogue of ITU-T Recommendations related to security and summaries of the work by various ITU-T Study Groups. The manual demonstrates ITU-T’s comprehensive efforts to secure both generic and specific aspects of telecommunications and information technology.