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Homeland Security announces 5G strategy to manage the pending digital overhaul

The Department of Homeland Security announced a new 5G strategy Monday, providing a five point plan to handle confusion caused by the pending massive overhaul to digital infrastructure.

The initiative, released by DHS's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA, calls for the following:

  • Support of 5G policy and standards development by emphasizing security and resilience
  • Expansion of situational awareness of 5G supply chain risks and promotion of security measures
  • Partnering with stakeholders to strengthen and secure existing infrastructure to support future 5G deployments
  • Encouragement of innovation in the 5G marketplace to expand the number trusted 5G vendors, and
  • Analysis of potential 5G use cases, with sharing of information on identified risk management strategies

“The promise of 5G is undeniable, but with 5G technology poised to underpin a wide range of critical infrastructure functions, it’s vital that we manage these risks adequately and promote a trusted ecosystem of 5G componentry,” said CISA Director Christopher Krebs.

To achieve those CISA announced several plans, including developing standards with government groups, industry and other stakeholders and using national labs to test components for vulnerabilities.

The Huawei-led supply chain controversy plays a major role in the strategy, though the Chinese manufacturer is never mentioned by name. CISA promises a supply chain framework, research into the long term risks of using "untrusted" equipment and even encouraging American 5G research to foster a domestic alternative.

Joe Uchill

Joe is a senior reporter at SC Weekly, focused on policy issues. He previously covered cybersecurity for Axios, The Hill and the Christian Science Monitor’s short-lived Passcode website.

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