Wolverhampton MP wants ministers to ramp up efforts to combat cyber attacks ahead of 5G rollout
The Government needs to step up its efforts to counter cyber attacks ahead of the rollout of 5G, MP Stuart Anderson has warned.
A member of the influential Defence Select Committee, Mr Anderson urged Ministers to ensure people were protected against "foreign interference" once internet connectivity is enhanced.
It came after a report by the committee warned the rollout of 5G will open the UK up to security risks such as espionage, sabotage and system failure affecting individuals, government and defence.
The Conservative MP for Wolverhampton South West said: "While many of my constituents welcome the Government’s commitment to roll out 5G and enhance internet connectivity, I also know they want this Government to take steps to ensure the Internet is secure and has sufficient safeguards to protect against foreign interference.
'Vital'
"It is vital for the Government to call out cyber-attacks and for it to continue to work with strategic partners to find a deterrent to counter them."
In its report on the security of 5G, the committee said there would be a "greater surface for illicit actions" as more devices are connected to the internet with the new wireless technology.
It added that the Government’s ambitions for the roll-out are "laudable" – but warned the vendor market for 5G kit is not diverse enough.
In July, Ministers announced a ban on Chinese firm Huawei from having a role in the country’s 5G network, owing to tougher US sanctions restricting the firm’s ability to build chips.
Purchasing
As a result, British telecoms companies were told to remove Huawei’s equipment from the 5G network by 2027 and stop purchasing new 5G gear from it by the end of the year.
The committee said there was "no doubt Huawei’s designation as a high-risk vendor is justified" and concluded it "poses a significant security risk to individuals and to our Government".
The MPs noted: "Even with the inclusion of Huawei the market was ‘sub-optimal’ and the Government’s decision to remove Huawei completely from 5G by 2027 poses a risk that could potentially result in an even less diverse market, which could bring security and resilience concerns of its own."
The report also urged Ministers to act swiftly to outline a 5G policy as soon as possible.
Defence Committee chair, Tobias Ellwood MP, said: "Protecting the public and preserving our nation’s security are amongst the principle responsibilities of Government.
"We must not surrender our national security for the sake of short-term technological development."
