14 DAY TRIAL // Following recommendations from the UK’s Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), the National Security Adviser has performed a review of the Huawei Cyber Security Evaluation Center (HCSEC).
Earlier this year, the ISC recommended that GCHQ staff be employed at the HCSEC in order to keep an eye on things and make sure that the telecoms company doesn’t have any ties with the Chinese government.
However, the National Security Adviser’s review highlights the fact that this wouldn’t be such a great idea, mainly because if HCSEC staff is not employed by Huawei, it would not have complete access to Huawei products, codes and engineers. This would prevent the HCSEC from doing its job properly.
On the other hand, the report does recommend that the GCHQ become more involved in the future appointment of senior staff. More precisely, the spy agency should “lead and direct” senior appointments, but in consultations with Huawei.
The review also recommends the creation of an Oversight Board chaired by a member of the GCQH, and co-chaired by Huawei. Representatives of Whitehall departments will be board members.
The board will not get involved in HCSEC operations. Its purpose is to periodically assess performance and ensure that the center is independent from Huawei headquarters.
“We are pleased that the model of the UK Government, the telecom operators and Huawei working together in an open and transparent way has been recognised as the best approach for providing reassurance on the security of products and solutions deployed in the UK,” Huawei representatives stated after the report was published.
“We also support the review’s recommendations to optimise the management of the HCSEC and will continue to work with stakeholders to improve its capabilities.”