I propose to take Questions Nos. 105, 106, 107 and 108 together. I propose to take Questions Nos 105,106,107 and 108 together.
5G Mobile Networks are in their early stages of rollout globally, and will offer both improved services to customers and likely give rise to a variety of new use cases for telecommunications services. Importantly, the software based nature of 5G systems gives rise to new types of security risks in addition to those arising from traditional networks.
In early 2019 the EU embarked on a detailed assessment of the security risks associated with 5G. This involved each Member State conducting their own risk assessment, and the subsequent publication of a joint EU wide assessment. This was followed in January 2020 by the publication of a ‘Toolbox’ of risk mitigation measures, and on 24 July by an update on the implementation of the toolbox.
Government is committed to further enhancing the security of our telecommunications infrastructure, including 5G networks. The recently adopted National Cybersecurity Strategy sets out a range of measures that Government will take over the coming years in this regard, building on a comprehensive EU-led risk assessment process. The National Cyber Security Centre, which is part of my Department, conducted the National Risk Assessment in early 2019, and is now working with industry on the development of a set of enhanced Telecoms Security Requirements (TSRs) to secure all telecommunications services in the State. These TSRs will encompass the full range of issues covered by the Toolbox, and will be published for public consultation later this year.
