CSM partners Huawei, Celcom Axiata to set up cyber security test lab

  • Test lab to cover 5G test bed ecosystem, hardware and telco evaluation
  • CSM handles test lab development; Huawei supplying equipment; Axiata, 5G network

CSM partners Huawei, Celcom Axiata to set up cyber security test lab MALAYSIA has announced the setting up of what it claims to be the first 5G cyber security test lab in Southeast Asia, a tripatite agreement between CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM), Huawei Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd and Celcom Axiata Bhd.

Speaking at a forum hosted by Huawei in conduction with the Mobile World Congress 2021 (MWC21) in Shanghai on February 22, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia minister Saifuddin Abdullah, said the test lab is expected to be a model for end-to-end cybersecurity covering 5G radio access network (RAN), edge network and cloud applications.

The test lab is expected to conduct test cases in the Internet of Things (IoT) security, telecommunications security and delve into improving readiness in responding to 5G-related cyber attacks, he added.

According to CSM chief executive officer (CEO). Amirudin Abdul Wahab (pic above) CSM will undertake competency development in common criteria, IT security and testing, 3GPP standards, associated test tools and equipment services. It will also offer mobile app and hardware evaluation services.

“We plan to conduct edge and core network evaluation, 5G cloud evaluation profile and technical code development, 5G security testing and training, and 5G security evaluation services,” said Amirudin.

Beyond executing test cases on IoT and telco security, the test lab also intends to provide products and solutions testing, as well as a validating environment for platform customers.

“We will cooperate with industry to validate security standards, such as testing and reviewing test standards documentation,” said Amirudin, adding, “In order to achieve international recognition, we will cooperate with renowned industry organisations, such as the GSM Association (GSMA), to validate industry verification mechanism.”

 

The main thrusts

Amirudin explained that with the digital economy being a key focus for the Malaysian government, all key programmes must be developed and executed with cyber security as a core consideration.

The announcement of the 5G Cybersecurity Test Lab followed other key announcements on Malaysia’s digital economy, namely, the MyDigital initiative, that was revealed on February 19.

Speaking to the press in an online briefing after his virtual speech, Amirudin noted that the 5G Cybersecurity Test Lab falls under two of six “thrusts” in MyDigital. The first is “Thrust 3”, which concerns the enabling of the digital infrastructure and includes the enactment of 5G connectivity. The second is “Thrust 6”, which is to “build a trusted, secure and ethical digital environment.”

“This is where we come in, playing the role of a cybersecurity technical specialist and providing a safer and more secure 5G ecosystem,” Amirudin said.

The 5G Cybersecurity Test Lab involves three parties, each with their own roles. CSM will be tasked in advising and supporting the development of the test lab.

This includes providing the space, and equipping it with test tools and test equipment, as well as establishing “competent security testers and auditors for the 5G security assessment,” Amirudin said,

CSM will also establish test-lab accreditation from NESAS Security Test Laboratories and Common Criteria.

Meanwhile Huawei will supply the 5G equipment for the test lab ecosystem, including the 5G RAN and edge network, as well as the core network. Celcom Axiata will provide dedicated 5G spectrum and network connectivity for the test lab and also participate in the pilot project evaluation, Amirudin said.

 

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