Could US’ Huawei worries be solved with global cybersecurity plan?
- Huawei security chief Andy Purdy calls for ‘a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity risk’
- Paul Triolo, an expert from a Washington think-tank, says a body similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency is needed
The singling out by the US of China’s telecoms giant, Huawei Technologies, signifies a growing need for a comprehensive global cybersecurity strategy, underpinned by standards that could be used to guard against national security threats worldwide, the company’s security chief and and another expert said.
Since May, American tech companies have been effectively banned by the Trump administration from selling components to the Chinese firm, due to national security concerns.
The US argues that Huawei – the world's second largest smartphone maker and a leading 5G technology developer – could be compelled to give up trade secrets and sensitive data to its government, bowing to the influence Beijing has on Chinese businesses.
Andy Purdy, chief security officer of Huawei USA, told the South China Morning Post on Thursday that “this focus on China, and the focus on Huawei in particular, are not going to make the world safer”.
“There needs to be a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity risk and we need to have standards and best practices,” he said.
Purdy’s concern was shared by another security expert, who called for international standards and an organisation to oversee cybersecurity issues.