FCC targets cybersecurity in the telecom sector
A proposition for annual cybersecurity certifications for telecom firms.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has proposed requiring US communications providers to certify annually that they have plans to defend against cyberattacks. The move comes amid growing concerns over espionage by ‘Salt Typhoon,’ a hacking group allegedly linked to Beijing that has infiltrated several American telecom companies to steal call data.
Rosenworcel highlighted the need for a modern framework to secure networks as US intelligence agencies assess the impact of Salt Typhoon’s widespread attack. A senior US official confirmed the hackers had stolen metadata from numerous Americans, breaching at least eight telecom firms.
The FCC proposal, which Rosenworcel has circulated to other commissioners, would take effect immediately if approved. The announcement follows a classified Senate briefing on the breach, but industry giants like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile have yet to comment.
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