Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Security
  • /
  • UK industry experts to address 5G security challenges

Security

UK industry experts to address 5G security challenges

The security and resilience of 5G networks is of paramount importance to the UK, so in response to the country's evolving telecoms security policies and lessons learned from the 5G Testbeds and Trials Programme, the UK5G Testbed & Trials Working Group have launched a Security-Sub Group to address 5G security challenges.


Courtesy QinetiQ

Paul Beastall, Head of Strategy for Cambridge Consultants and UK5G Advisory Board Member is Chair of the Testbed & Trials Working Group. He explained why the Sub-Group is important: "We see the 5G Testbeds and Trials testing use cases that involve both mission critical data (such as between high speed vehicles or factory machines) and personally sensitive data (such as in a health or social care setting), highlighting how 5G solutions will need to have security at the heart of their design. I am delighted that we are able to build on the great capability and expertise within the UK to ensure that we are able to develop and prove security best practice alongside high value use cases that will deliver value to end users."

Advertisement
ODU RT

A very strong field of candidates put themselves forwards, confirming security as a particular strength of the community in the UK. It has been announced that Mark Hawkins, QinetiQ Fellow and 5G Technical Lead, will Chair the Security Sub-Group and work alongside the following members to provide guidance to UK testbeds as they develop and test their respective security principles and policies.

  • Woon Hau Chin: Toshiba Research Europe
  • Stephen Douglas: Spirent Communications
  • Tracey Sheehan: Utility Technology Council
  • Francesca Serravalle: Colt Technology Services
  • Mark Shepherd: National Technical Assistance Centre (NTAC)
  • Adrian M: National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
  • Anas Tawileh: Systematics Consulting Inc
  • Saj Huq: Plexal (LORCA)
  • Ciara Mitchell: ScotlandIS
  • David  Cuckow: British Standards Institution (BSI)
  • Darwin Darwin: CGI
  • Greig Paul: University of Strathclyde
  • Mike Lee: Ofcom

Mark Hawkins said: "I am excited about the launch of the UK5G Security Sub-Group, and look forward to chairing the new group. We have a strong team of people from across government, industry and academia with a broad range of expertise covering security, 5G, standards, regulation, research and use cases. This group can significantly contribute to the collaborative challenge of making security a key enabler for realising the benefits of 5G use cases."

The Security Sub-Group, along with consortia teams and UK5G’s associate partners, will identify security gaps, solve security problems and showcase good end-to-end security practices. Ultimately, we hope this will supercharge the newly formed 5G testbeds, lead to higher confidence in 5G networks and support the rollout of 5G in the UK.
 

Advertisement
ODU RT

Terms of Reference relating to the Sub-Group can be viewed here

 

 

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
Smiths Detection gains ECAC Certification for AI driven cabin baggage screening

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection gains ECAC Certification for AI driven cabin baggage screening

20 April 2026

Smiths Detection has secured ECAC (European Civil Aviation Conference) certification for its iCMORE APIDS (Automated Prohibited Items Detection System), approved for deployment with the HI SCAN 6040 CTiX.

Securitas appoints Alan Rae as Area Director for UK North and BAE Systems

Defence Security

Securitas appoints Alan Rae as Area Director for UK North and BAE Systems

20 April 2026

Securitas UK has announced the appointment of Alan Rae to the newly created and expanded role of Area Director for UK North and BAE Systems.

UK to deliver large drone package to Ukraine

Defence Security

UK to deliver large drone package to Ukraine

15 April 2026

The UK has announced the biggest ever drone package for Ukraine, delivering at least 120,000 drones for Ukraine this year and driving growth and jobs across the UK.

SIA launches consultation on section 12 guidance for Martyn’s Law

Security

SIA launches consultation on section 12 guidance for Martyn’s Law

15 April 2026

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has today launched a public consultation on its draft section 12 statutory guidance.

Advertisement
ODU RT
NPAS receives first two aircraft for FRP

Aerospace Security

NPAS receives first two aircraft for FRP

15 April 2026

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has reached a major milestone in its National Fleet Replacement Programme (FRP) with the arrival of the first two H135 T3H aircraft at Airbus Helicopters UK in Oxford.

ALTEN opens office in Belfast

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ALTEN opens office in Belfast

14 April 2026

ALTEN has announced the opening of its newest UK office in Belfast, marking a significant strategic expansion into Northern Ireland.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner