NRIC to review best practices for securing telecom networks

The FCC’s Network Reliability and Interoperability Council met today in Washington, D.C., to begin the process of reviewing 300 “best practices” for protecting and strengthening the nation’s communications infrastructure against terrorist attacks and national disasters.

The review is scheduled for completion by December 20, at which point the 56-member NRIC – which represents the wireline, cable, wireless, satellite and ISP sectors – will vote to determine which procedures should be recommended for voluntary implementation throughout the industry.

The recommendations range from increasing physical security at communications facilities to improving techniques and software for protecting proprietary information.

FCC Chairman Michael Powell praised the industry’s proactive approach to safeguarding telecom networks. “Many of the best practices we have heard today are actively being implemented by many companies,” Powell said. – Glenn Bischoff, senior editor