Cybersecurity Malaysia, Celcom and Huawei Malaysia Kick Off Phase 1 of 5G Cyber Security Lab Installation

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 OCTOBER 2021 - CyberSecurity Malaysia, Celcom Axiata Berhad (Celcom), and Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Huawei Malaysia) have kick-started the first phase of the installation of the 5G Cyber Security Test Lab, within CyberSecurity Malaysia’s premise in Cyberjaya. Announced in February, the Lab is set to not only execute test cases pertaining to the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and telecommunications security but will also help improve Malaysia’s preparedness in responding to 5G-related cyber-challenges.

Phase 1 of the installation, which is currently underway, involves Huawei supplying and installing 5G equipment, such as the 5G Core, 5G Radio Access Network (RAN), Baseband Unit (BBU), 4G and 5G Remote Radio Unit (RRU), and the indoor telecom power system, for the development of the 5G ecosystem and Test Bed.

Within this phase, Celcom will be guiding the test lab development regarding the 4G provision of technology and technical support such as configuration of equipment, test SIM cards, and others.

Additionally, the first phase also involves CyberSecurity Malaysia seeking 5G spectrum and 5G equipment trial usage approval from the regulatory body, the rolling out of competency buildingprogrammes such as 5G technical workshops, cyber security training sessions, as well as participation in international events, for the purpose of fulfilling 5G lab operation regulations and enhancing the lab’s tri-party team’s knowledge and capabilities, in preparation for Phase 2.

The Lab is part of a joint effort between CyberSecurity Malaysia, Celcom and Huawei Malaysia, which was formalised via a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 30, 2021, with the objective of understanding, learning, managing, mitigating, and reducing 5G-related cyber threats while introducing the Network Equipment Security Assurance Scheme (NESAS), to help build a safe, resilient, and inclusive digital ecosystem in Malaysia. The 5G Cyber Security Test Lab is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia and will be launched later this year.

“Since 2009, CyberSecurity Malaysia's - Malaysian Security Evaluation Facility (MySEF) department is recognized as the first licensed evaluation facility under the Malaysian Common Criteria Evaluation & Certification (MyCC) Scheme. It is also the first IT lab in Malaysia accredited with MS ISO/IEC 17025 under the Laboratory Scheme Accreditation of Malaysia (SAMM) of Standards Malaysia in 2010.” said Dato’ Ts. Dr. Haji Amirudin bin Abdul Wahab, CEO of CyberSecurity Malaysia.

“CyberSecurity Malaysia aims to expand its capabilities and expertise in security evaluation and testing in 5G technology as well as to strengthen its position as a national cyber security specialist agency, through the development of this 5G Cyber Security Test Lab.” Dato’ Ts. Dr. Haji Amirudin added.

“The objective of this test lab is to evaluate and test 5G networks and related products such as 5G devices, firmware and applications which also covers IoT devices, autonomous vehicles and smart healthcare. The support from global technology leader, Huawei and prominent telco operator, Celcom will be a catalyst for our test lab to become a successful and recognized reference centre on 5G security, as part of our commitment to foster security best practices in developing and deploying 5G solutions to relevant parties. We believe this initiative is crucial in ensuring a safer 5G environment for our country,” said Dato’ Ts. Dr. Haji Amirudin.

Idham Nawawi, Chief Executive Officer of Celcom Axiata Berhad said Celcom is proud to collaborate with CyberSecurity Malaysia and Huawei towards developing the 5G Cyber Security Test Lab as the benchmark of a safe and sustainable digital ecosystem in Malaysia.

“Leveraging on our 33 years of operational experience, Celcom will be focusing its strength in data governance and network security management as the key contribution underpinning the Test Lab. Celcom has been proactive in combatting cyber threats throughout all of our infrastructure framework, by exercising consistent reviews and responding towards latest threat information, and focusing on customer facing applications such as Celcom Life, portal and Online Store to ensure safe and secure consumer experiences.

“Cybersecurity in the 5G world is even more critical, hence creating the need for industry vigilance for safe and secured application of the technology to our businesses, products, services and consumers. We welcome the engagement and synergy with our established business partners from various technology pillars, to leverage on the 5G Cyber Security Test Lab as a platform for research, analytics, development, and assessment of secure IoT solutions for B2B and B2C. We foresee 5G will not only benefit multi-vertical industries; but encompassing the whole digital ecosystem as challenges of the new norm will require consumers to become more digital dependant for their work, learning and business requirements.

“This initiative is aligned with the nation’s Jalinan Digital Negara (Jendela) aspirations that aims to prepare Malaysia for 5G. Together with CyberSecurity Malaysia and Huawei, we look forward to becoming the frontier of 5G security in defending the nation’s digital interest, and as catalysts towards achieving Malaysia’s digital transformation aspirations”, Idham added.

Celcom’s cyber security readiness and maturity level is certified by the 1NIST Cyber Maturity Framework standard, for its good practice of cyber hygiene and proactive cyber security measures. The test lab development is anticipated to further elevate Celcom’s position in cyber defence strategy, and further aims towards becoming a benchmark in developing Minimum Baseline Security Standard (MBSS) for 5G equipment to other operating companies within the Axiata Group Berhad, as well as other industry players.

Mr Michael Yuan, CEO of Huawei Malaysia, said that as a global technology leader, Huawei was proud to share its expertise, particularly in the areas of 5G, 5G-security, and other 5G-related technological solutions and services, to help build a connected, safer, and more secure, intelligent future for Malaysia.

“With rapid industry digitalization and new technologies, cyberspace has become more complex than ever, compounded by the fact that people have been spending a greater portion of their time online throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. These trends have led to a rise in new cyber security risks.

“We at Huawei are grateful for the trust given to us by CyberSecurity Malaysia and Celcom to including the establishment of the 5G Cyber Security Test Lab, come to fruition,” Mr. Yuan said.

“Cybersecurity risk is a shared responsibility and we must work together to build a trustworthy digital environment that meets the challenges of today and tomorrow,” he added.

Phase 2 of the Lab installation will primarily involve the NESAS and Security Assurance Specification (SCAS) accreditation process, deployment of test tools and methods, and the launch of 5G Cyber Security Test Services.