In a letter to Chairman Pai, Sen Wyden urges mandatory cybersecurity requirements for 5G networks of all wireless carriers

Sen Ron Wyden (D-OR) urged the Federal Communications Commission to secure next-generation, 5G telephone networks against hackers, scam-artists and foreign spies. In a letter addressed to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, Sen Wyden demanded the administration require all wireless carriers to implement improved cybersecurity measures – including upgrading encryption and authentication features – on 5G telephone networks. Sen Wyden also pushed the FCC to mandate carriers provide consumers with adequate information to evaluate carriers’ cybersecurity efforts in order to make informed decisions. “The FCC has the authority to regulate wireless carriers and their use of the public airwaves, particularly in areas that involve public safety and national security. The FCC must stop leaving the cybersecurity of American consumers, businesses and government agencies to wireless carriers, and finally secure America’s next-generation 5G networks against interception and hacking by criminals and foreign spies,” Sen Wyden said. He requested a response from the FCC by Dec 6.