FE Today Logo

Huawei risk can be managed, say UK cyber-security chiefs

February 19, 2019 00:00:00


Any risk posed by involving the Chinese technology giant Huawei in UK telecoms projects can be managed, cyber-security chiefs have determined, reports BBC.

The UK's National Cyber Security Centre's decision undermines US efforts to persuade its allies to ban the firm from 5G communications networks.

The Chinese government is accused of using Huawei as a proxy so it can spy on rival nations.

But Huawei has said it gives nothing to Beijing, aside from taxes.

Australia, New Zealand, and the US have already banned Huawei from supplying equipment for their future fifth generation mobile broadband networks, while Canada is reviewing whether the company's products present a serious security threat.

Most of the UK's mobile companies - Vodafone, EE and Three - have been working with Huawei on developing their 5G networks.

They are awaiting on a government review, due in March or April, that will decide whether they can use Huawei technology.

As first reported by the Financial Times, the conclusion by the National Cyber Security Centre - part of the intelligence agency GCHQ - will feed into the review.

The decision has not yet been made public, but the security agency said in a statement it had "a unique oversight and understanding of Huawei engineering and cyber security".

Huawei has denied that it poses any risk to the UK or any other country

BBC business correspondent Rob Young said the National Cyber Security Centre's conclusion "will carry weight", but said the review could still rule against Huawei.

In an interview, Huawei's cyber security chief John Suffolk told the BBC: "We are probably the most open and transparent organisation in the world. We are probably the most poked and prodded organisation too."

The former UK chief information officer added: "We don't say 'believe us' we say 'come and check for yourself', come and do your own testing and come and do your own verification.


Share if you like