State-Sponsored Intrusion
Advanced actors target telecoms networks for long term access to communications and infrastructure. They exploit edge devices and management systems to stay hidden.
Critical National Infrastructure
Secure the networks that connect everything else.
Telecoms providers carry the traffic every other sector depends on. We help you defend core networks, customer data and the suppliers that keep them running.
TOP THREATS: TELECOMMUNICATIONSSector focus
State-Sponsored IntrusionAdvanced actors target telecoms networks for long term access to communications and infrastructure.
DDoS and Service DisruptionLarge scale denial of service attacks aim at providers and their customers.
5G and Virtualised NetworksSoftware defined and virtualised network functions move core services onto cloud style platforms.
Customer Data and SIM FraudAccount takeover and SIM swap fraud target customers and staff.
The threat picture
Why attackers target telecommunications
Mobile, fixed and data centre networks are high value targets for state backed actors seeking access to communications, and for criminals looking to disrupt services or steal customer data. Virtualised and 5G networks bring flexibility, and a larger, more software driven attack surface.
Cybergen helps telecoms providers test network and customer facing systems, watch for intrusions around the clock and meet the security duties set out in law and codes of practice.
DDoS and Service Disruption
Large scale denial of service attacks aim at providers and their customers. Resilient design and fast response keep services available.
5G and Virtualised Networks
Software defined and virtualised network functions move core services onto cloud style platforms. They need the same rigour as any critical application.
Customer Data and SIM Fraud
Account takeover and SIM swap fraud target customers and staff. Strong identity controls and monitoring reduce the risk.
Supplier and Vendor Access
Equipment vendors and managed service partners often have privileged access to network management. That access needs tight control and oversight.
Regulation and standards
The rules you work under
The obligations that shape security in telecommunications, and how we help you meet them with evidence rather than paperwork.
Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021
The Act places stronger legal security duties on UK public telecoms providers, with Ofcom responsible for monitoring and enforcing them.
Official guidanceSecurity Measures Regulations and Code of Practice
The Electronic Communications (Security Measures) Regulations and the Telecommunications Security Code of Practice set out the specific measures providers are expected to take.
Official guidanceNIS Regulations 2018
Digital infrastructure such as DNS services and internet exchange points falls within the UK NIS regime.
Official guidanceNIS2 Directive
Providers of public electronic communications networks and services fall within NIS2 in EU member states.
Official guidanceIllustrative scenario
A Quiet Foothold at the Network Edge
How a typical attack on telecommunications unfolds, step by step. Press play to watch it run.
- 1Edge Exploit
An attacker exploits a vulnerability in an internet facing network management device.
- 2Persistence
They install tooling designed to survive reboots and blend in with routine management traffic.
- 3Lateral Movement
Using stolen vendor credentials, the intruder reaches systems that handle customer records.
- 4Collection
Data is collected slowly over months to avoid triggering volume based alerts.
Where Cybergen breaks the chain
Threat intelligence highlights the actively exploited flaw, vulnerability management patches it, privileged access controls limit vendor credentials and MDR spots the unusual management traffic.
Illustrative example, not a real incident.
How we help
Security that fits how you operate
Sector insights
Latest thinking for telecommunications
How Telecom Providers Are Fending Off DDoS Attacks
See how telecom providers stop DDoS attacks with traffic filtering, automation and industry coordination, and what effective DDoS mitigation looks like today.
Read article · 9 min
Securing 5G Networks. A New Frontier for Cyber Defence
5G security risks explained: why networks are targeted, the weaknesses in current 5G security and how to build stronger 5G network security for connected IoT.
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Does the Telecommunications Security Act apply to us?
It applies to UK public telecoms providers, with the measures expected depending on the provider's size and importance. We can help you understand your obligations.
Can you test 5G and virtualised network functions?
Yes. We assess the platforms, orchestration and management interfaces behind virtualised networks as well as traditional infrastructure.
How do we control vendor access to our network?
Use privileged access management, time limited access, strong authentication and session monitoring for every vendor connection.
Do you work with providers outside the UK?
Yes. Cybergen works globally and aligns its support to the telecoms security rules in each country you operate in.
Get in touch
Talk to us about telecommunications
Tell us about your organisation, the regulations you work under and what is worrying you most.
Prefer to talk? Call +44 (0) 1865 950 828
Or email [email protected]
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