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Huawei and ZTE pass first phase of GSMA/3GPP security accreditation

A network security accreditation scheme jointly run by MNO lobby group GSMA and wireless standards body 3GPP has given Chinese vendors the seal of approval.

The scheme is called the Network Equipment Security Assurance Scheme (NESAS) and claims to have been developed to boost the industry’s confidence in telecom network equipment and to jointly promote the development of more aligned mobile communications market. All the big kit vendors passed the first phase, which consists of an assessment of their product development and lifecycle management processes.

“The GSMA recognises the support and participation of Ericsson, Huawei, Nokia and ZTE who have satisfied the scheme’s security requirements via an independent security audit and we congratulate them on achieving this important first step,” said Alex Sinclair, GSMA CTO. “By committing to NESAS, vendors are helping network operators, and other stakeholders make informed decisions about secure product development. We look forward to others participating in the scheme, evidencing their commitment to good security practice by promoting a security-by-design culture within the industry.”

The second phase will involve vendors submitting network equipment products to qualified test laboratories for evaluation. To what extent that process will offer significant reassurances about the security status of the entire portfolio is questionable, but failure at any stage of the NESAS will represent a significant setback for the vendor concerned.

Unsurprisingly Huawei has wasted little time in seeking to capitalise on this security endorsement. “GSMA NESAS is the latest approach in assessing the network security of mobile communications,” said Devin Duan, Head of 5G E2E Cybersecurity Marketing at Huawei. “In the 5G era, NESAS provides a standardized and effective cyber security assessment, which allows the communications industry to ensure fairness.

“The Assessment is also a valuable reference for stakeholders, such as operators, equipment vendors, government regulators, and application service providers. Huawei has always focused on technology-driven cyber security. We welcome NESAS with full support and collaboration. We also invite the entire industry to jointly promote the development of a more aligned mobile communications market.”

It seems unlikely that the NESAS will sway the US and its allies at all, since Huawei and ZTE have been found guilty of being Chinese and no amount of security transparency have aided their defence. It does, however, provide Huawei with another weapon to use in the battle for public sympathy, just so long at the process doesn’t raise any alarm bells.

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9 comments

  1. Avatar Sam 25/08/2020 @ 2:31 am

    Of course the Chinese will shown they are ok fir now, there always the plan B of which evil ccp will exploits once the equipment install! Never ever put any trust in the Chinese security apparatuses claimed

    • Avatar Terence 25/08/2020 @ 10:46 am

      Dont talk about things you know nothing about.
      This whole fight has nothing to do with not trusting the Chinese… It all comes down to the fact the the Chinese are passing the Americans with better tech and now America (Trump) wants to stop this from happening…. Ever heard of the MAGA campaign? This is exactly what it is all about

  2. Avatar Matt 25/08/2020 @ 11:48 am

    I agree with the above statement. This is all market share and the great US of A can’t been seen to be out done by an up and coming tech giant to rival them let alone take over but they themselves are happy to rule the world.

    • Avatar Pietr 25/08/2020 @ 1:01 pm

      You may notice that the other vendors mentioned in the article are not US based. Furthermore, Huawei and ZTE have been known to copy/steal Ericsson and Nokia code and hardware schematics for years, so they can replicate the technology. Not much innovation there.

      • Avatar Turkeyfresser 25/08/2020 @ 5:27 pm

        What a joke. Huawei and ZTE are beating the shiit out of Nokia and Ericsson in the global competition. Dont you see how panic Trump?

        • Avatar Patro 26/08/2020 @ 1:12 pm

          They are beating them because R&D costs are high, ZTE and Huawei just steal and copy which is less costlier.

  3. Avatar Hlayiseka 25/08/2020 @ 12:08 pm

    Evil western governments think they are super humans and that they are the only ones who must lead in all fields like science and technology. Look, nothing lasts for ever in this world. Their jealousy, obsession and hatred for Chinese people expossed.

    • Avatar Kawuki 26/08/2020 @ 8:46 am

      Do you have any proof that Hwawei and ZTE have been stealing IP from Nokia and Ericsson

  4. Avatar Daryl Crooks 25/08/2020 @ 7:41 pm

    It’s obvious Trump has personal and mental issues that some of his family and staff have concerns about. This is a personal vendetta trump has with Huawei. Its about time he grew a pair and stopped throwing his dummy out the pram. If Huawei had the power to spy or intercept our communications infrastructures. I think by now they would of shut America down in a revenge attack. Because if I had that tech. I’d shut trump down now.

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