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The Cybersecurity Working Group (CS WG) aims at supporting the take-up of secure and reliable electronic communications networks, while ensuring a smooth transition from legacy infrastructures to promote full connectivity. Concerns relating to security, robustness, privacy and integrity of the digital ecosystem have grown in recent years and will likely continue to require attention of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC), and involved policy-makers. The CS WG supports BEREC in providing advice upon request and on its own initiative to the European Union (EU) institutions in order to assist the European Commission (EC) and the National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) in implementing the regulatory framework. CS WG plays a supporting role regarding 5G, cybersecurity and Open Radio Access Networks, and closely cooperate with the Network Information Security Cooperation Group (NIS CG) and the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) by contributing to the implementation of the 5G toolbox.
Working Group Co-chairs
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AKOS, Slovenia |
HAKOM, Croatia |
(Note: This video was recorded in 2022. It may include one or more former Co-chairs).
Work in 2023
In 2023, the CS WG will continue working on related topics, based on the BEREC Work Programme 2023.
Report on BEREC’s support in reinforcing EU’s Cybersecurity Capabilities
The EC and ENISA are setting up a multi-stakeholder process to follow up on the Nevers Call to Reinforce the EU’s Cybersecurity Capabilities. The process will be similar to the development of the 5G Toolbox. The NIS CG work stream for 5G will take the leading role. BEREC will be closely involved by reviewing drafts/deliverables and providing input to both risk assessment and recommendations according to the relevant requests. BEREC will adopt a report providing an overview of its activities to support the process.
Report on BEREC’s activities to support initiatives to secure 5G networks
In 2021, BEREC supported the European Court of Auditors (ECA) by providing its own internal reports to the ECA and distributing the ECA survey among the NRAs. The answers of the NRAs were also used in the BEREC Internal Report BoR (21) 140 about the ECA questionnaire for NRAs on the security of 5G networks. In January 2022, the ECA published a Special Report 03/2022: 5G roll-out in the EU: delays in deployment of networks with security issues remaining unresolved.
Further work on the 5G Toolbox will be coordinated with other institutions involved in the process to achieve secure 5G networks. BEREC will provide its support to the EC and the NIS CG for the implementation of the recommendations of the ECA. BEREC is also following up on the initiatives taken by ENISA and providing support where possible. The relevant initiatives include the development of the 5G Cybersecurity Certification schemes and policy implementation for the electronic communications sector. BEREC will continue the close collaboration with the ENISA European Competent Authorities for Secure Electronic Communications Expert Group and provide regular updates on its activities in the relevant meetings. BEREC will adopt a report providing an overview of its activities to support the process of achieving secure 5G networks.
Why is this important?
Security in the digital space has become more important over the years. Ensuring cybersecurity and resilience in Europe’s communications infrastructures and networks plays a crucial role. The EC has set out three key objectives for the next steps in the Cybersecurity of 5G networks – exchange of information and best practices on a measure related to suppliers to ensure convergent national approaches for effective risk mitigation across the EU, knowledge building and cooperation amongst stakeholders and promoting supply chain resilience. Together with the other relevant authorities – for example, ENISA and the NIS CG – and alongside the EC, BEREC will again play a supportive role as an important contributor to the common goal of achieving secure and resilient European networks.