Security

UK industry experts to address 5G security challenges

Posted 17 April 2020

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."

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.