OIC-CERT 5G Security Working Group debuts HUCCS for unified cybersecurity certification

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Computer Emergency Response Team (OIC-CERT) has introduced the Harmonised and Unified Cybersecurity Certification System (HUCCS) as part of its 5G Security Framework. This system aims to provide a standardised assurance mechanism for the cybersecurity outcomes of 5G networks and services across OIC member states.

HUCCS is an updated version of the OIC-CERT 5G Security Framework released in early 2022.

The proposal and contents of the HUCCS have been agreed upon by the OIC-CERT board members during a meeting held on Oct. 8 in Abu Dhabi. It is identified as a work item under the OIC-CERT 5G Security Working Group (WG) and part of the periodic refreshment of OIC-CERT 5G Security Framework to keep it updated.

Leadership and Vision for 5G Cybersecurity

“HUCCS and the OIC-CERT 5G Security Framework set a new benchmark for 5G cybersecurity in the global arena and demonstrate the leadership and vision of the Islamic world in embracing the opportunities and challenges of the digital transformation,” said Mohd Shamir Hashim, a senior vice president of CyberSecurity Malaysia. “We are confident that HUCCS will foster a culture of collaboration and innovation among OIC member states and contribute to the social and economic development of the Islamic world through 5G technology.”

“HUCCS is a milestone achievement for the OIC-CERT 5G Security WG. It demonstrates broad international commitment and capability to advance the cybersecurity of 5G networks and services in the Islamic world,” said Aloysius Cheang, a chief security officer for Middle East and Central Asia at Huawei. “We are hopeful this system will foster trust and collaboration among OIC member states and accelerate the adoption of 5G technology for social development and economic prosperity as 5G together with Cloud Computing are the 2 key pillars towards embracing digital transformation and the various applications and computing paradigms such as Metaverse and AI, where data is the new oil.”

Key Principles and Objectives of HUCCS

HUCCS promotes the cross-recognition of cybersecurity certifications, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of deploying 5G solutions and helping improve the overall cybersecurity level for OIC member states and their stakeholders. It is based on four basic principles and a documentary system that guides the OIC member countries to design, implement, improve, and continuously optimise cybersecurity certifications.

HUCCS also defines the roles and responsibilities of different practitioners involved in the certification and cross-recognition process and the actions and approaches to maintain HUCCS in the long term. It offers a conduit for OIC member states to enter new market space in partnership with other countries leveraging on HUCCS to reduce barriers of entry, cost of business, and time to market.

Key Components of the Framework

This framework includes international cooperation, risk assessment and management, cybersecurity maturity, authentication and identity management, privacy protection, and compliance with international laws. The WG is jointly led by Cybersecurity Malaysia, an agency under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Malaysia and the OIC-CERT Permanent Secretariat, and Huawei UAE, an OIC-CERT commercial member.

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