Wyden Wants FCC to Require Wireless Carriers to Enable 5G Security Technologies

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., pressed the FCC Wednesday to “act to secure” U.S. 5G networks by requiring wireless carriers to enable 5G cybersecurity technologies. “It simply isn't feasible to secure current phone networks due to the flaws in the 2G, 3G and 4G technology,” Wyden wrote FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “Cybersecurity protections [in 5G technology] that address many of the known vulnerabilities that have been exploited for years by hackers and foreign governments” are only optional, “leaving it up to each wireless carrier to turn them on.” The FCC “must act to ensure” those encryption and authentication features “are enabled by AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile as they upgrade their networks,” Wyden said. He wants information by Dec. 6 on several matters, including whether the FCC supports encrypting all text messages and phone calls and whether the commission would support a third-party assessment of wireless carriers' security measures. Wyden recently pressed AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile on location data breaches, but they didn't provide specifics (see 1904180056). The commission has “received the letter” and is “reviewing it,” a spokesperson said Wednesday.