The Telecommunications Security Act (TSA) represents a pivotal move by the UK government to bolster national telecommunications security, addressing the urgent need to protect critical infrastructures amid rising geopolitical tensions and cyber threats. Highlighting the essential role of Privileged Access Management (PAM) in defending against these threats, the TSA sets strict compliance deadlines for telecom providers. With the deadlines for compliance fast approaching, telecom providers must act swiftly to implement robust PAM solutions. In this blog post, you will gain a comprehensive overview of the TSA and find answers to the critical questions associated with it.
Understanding the Telecommunications Security Framework (TSF)
The foundation of the Telecommunications Security Framework (TSF) is the Telecommunications Security Act 2021 (TSA). The TSA establishes a legal framework for up-to-date protection of telecommunications infrastructures, defining duties and rights for organisations and regulators. It requires telecom providers to identify security risks and implement adequate measures to prevent breaches, which includes mandatory reporting and mitigation strategies. It affects telecom companies across three tiers, emphasising the need for all to adopt stringent security practices.
Who is Affected By the TSA?
The new rules under the TSF target telecommunications companies, specifically those providing public electronic communications networks (PECN) and services (PECS). It also extends to the telecommunications supply chain to address the increased integration of third parties. Companies affected by these regulations are classified into three tiers based on their commercial size:
- Tier 1 includes the largest national public telecom providers with a turnover of £1 billion or more;
- Tier 2 comprises medium-sized providers with a turnover between £50 million and £1 billion; and
- Tier 3 consists of smaller providers with a turnover of less than £50 million, excluding micro-enterprises.
When Does TSA Come Into Force?
The Telecommunications Security Act (TSA) comes into force on different dates for telecom providers based on their tier classification. Tier 1 providers must comply by March 31st, 2024, while Tier 2 providers have until March 31st, 2025. Tier 3 providers, although not obliged, are recommended to follow the Code of Practice (CoP) to ensure compliance, particularly when collaborating with Tier 1 or 2 providers.
What are the Penalties for Non-compliance With the TSA?
The penalties for non-compliance with the TSA are substantial. Providers failing to meet their security duties can face fines of up to 10% of their relevant turnover. For continued non-compliance, a daily fine of £100,000 may be imposed. If a provider fails to provide the necessary information or refuses to explain non-compliance with the CoP, a fine of up to £10 million may be imposed, with a daily fine of £50,000 for persistent non-compliance with the CoP in these areas.
Why is Privileged Access Management (PAM) Crucial for Achieving TSA Compliance?
Privileged accounts are prime targets for cyberattacks due to their extensive access rights. The TSA and the ‘Telecommunications Security Code of Practice’ emphasise the critical importance of Privileged Access Management (PAM) for compliance. PAM is essential for securing these accounts through identification, robust security measures like multi-factor authentication, and strict access controls, thereby reducing cybersecurity risks and meeting the TSA’s stringent standards.
PAM strategies include a comprehensive approach to safeguarding accounts with elevated permissions. This involves deploying a variety of security technologies to prevent breaches and their spread within networks. The emphasis on PAM within these regulations showcases the critical role it plays in securing telecommunications infrastructures against sophisticated threats.
PAM solutions are instrumental in mitigating the risks posed by privileged accounts. By adopting a Zero Trust approach and adhering to the Least Privilege Principle, organisations can ensure that access rights are strictly controlled and monitored. This strategy is not only about protecting sensitive data and critical systems but also about meeting the stringent compliance requirements set forth by the TSA.
iC Consult Simplifies TSA Compliance with Expert PAM Solutions
The complexity of implementing a PAM solution necessitates a thorough evaluation of existing infrastructures and a strategic approach to integration. This is where iC Consult’s expertise becomes invaluable, offering a comprehensive range of services from consulting and integration to operation and managed services. Our vendor-neutral stance ensures that the PAM solution is tailored to meet the unique needs and requirements of each organisation.
Feel free to reach out to our experts at any time, explore our services for PAM, or delve into the resources provided below for further insights into the TSA and compliance strategies.