USTelecom applauds the increased federal focus on cybersecurity and encourages greater awareness and outreach through cooperation and information-sharing.
Status
Today’s cyber ecosystem is a highly complex and dynamic universe consisting of a global set of stakeholders. Telecommunications carriers play an important role in this diverse and interconnected ecosystem, where the actions of independent entities or actors can have an adverse impact on other stakeholders.
Background
As the Internet becomes more widely available across the globe, cyber-attacks become an increasing presence as well. Well-publicized attacks for economic or political purposes on communications service providers, major corporations, and individuals serve as a constant reminder of the need for vigilance within our national cybersecurity framework.
USTelecom Position
USTelecom supports federal efforts that enhance our national cybersecurity capabilities. The USTelecom Cybersecurity Working Group (CSWG) and our Framework for Cybersecurity Legislation are two examples of successful collaboration on this issue. USTelecom believes that our greatest weapon in the face of this new threat is education, which we continue to provide to the telecom industry.
USTelecom has also created a one-of-a-kind resource, the USTelecom Cybersecurity Toolkit, that pulls together direct links to important information and resources in one convenient location. USTelecom’s Cybersecurity Toolkit will help you better understand the technology and policy issues that are part of today’s cybersecurity landscape.
USTelecom’s role in cybersecurity involves engaging government and industry stakeholders in a broad variety of initiatives. For example, our partnerships with DHS’s National Cyber Security Division and the National Communications Systems are designed to promote greater collaboration and cyber awareness and outreach among key stakeholders. The links below provide a comprehensive overview of current resources, best practices, and cybersecurity legislation.
Carrier Impact
A single cyber-attack on an unsuspecting carrier could disable thousands of consumers’ communications services if delivered effectively. For a cyber-terrorist, this potential for mass disruption makes carriers and their affiliated industry members very appealing targets.
Developing and promoting effective network and data defense capabilities is a top priority for our members. Database vulnerability assessment and penetration testing are other factors to consider, as well as scrutinizing internally developed software and applications.
Cyber-attacks are here to stay and will only grow more dangerous and sophisticated as the Internet ecosystem evolves. The efforts by carriers to deploy effective measures will remain a vital component of our national security posture.
Additional Resources
USTelecom Resources
Resources for Small/Medium-sized Businesses
- Internet Security Essentials for Business (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
- National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) Stay Safe Online.org
Situational Awareness
- Latest Alerts and Incident Reporting (US-CERT) U.S. Computer Emergency Response Team
- Cyber Operations Center - Digital Dashboard (Multi-State-ISAC)
- National Vulnerability Database (NVD) Search the U.S. government vulnerability database for information about vulnerabilities on your systems. This repository is a product of the NIST Computer Security Division and is sponsored by DHS.
- IT-ISAC Information Technology- Information Sharing and Analysis Center
- ISAC Council (access 14 ISACs: Communications, Electricity, IT, Financial Services, and more.)
Best Practices
- NIST Federal Agency Security Practices and Checklists
- FIRST Best Practice Guide Library Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST)
- Center for Internet Security (CIS)
- CSRIC/NRIC Best Practice Database
Other Resources
- Smart Grid Policy and Business Opportunities for Broadband Providers
- Computer Crime Research Center
- CERT Coordination Center
- E Security Planet
- ITU-IMPACT (The International Multilateral Partnership Against Cyber Threats)
- ITU Activities Related to Cybersecurity
- United States Cyber Command
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- Draft National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace
- The White House Blog (Cybersecurity)
