Chinese vendor Huawei is attempting to allay US national security fears once and for all by taking the unprecedented step of allowing security checks on its network, reports the Financial Times. This will enable clients to access its software source…
Chinese vendor Huawei is attempting to allay US national security fears once and for all by taking the unprecedented step of allowing security checks on its network, reports the Financial Times. This will enable clients to access its software source code.
Ross Gam, Huawei’s global head of communications, explained to TelecomFinance that the company is going even further: “We’re looking at institutionalising a security framework that will lead the industry and set global standards.”
He said that Huawei would be prepared to share software source code with the US, and any other government that requested access, on a mutually advantageous basis. Huawei has also retained an independent security adviser able to audit its software to search for any embedded threats such as Trojans or Trapdoors. What’s more, Huawei says it will welcome any government hiring its own independent auditor.
The US has hired Electronic Warfare Associates as auditor. The company also said it would offer a complete audit process for all of its manufactured products, on the hardware, software and assembly processes, which would be independently verified so that the end user could be sure of “Trusted Delivery”.
Gam said: “We take a bit of a sanguine view on these negative stories. I think a lot of the information is just a case of miscommunication and misconception, which we are working hard to correct.”
It remains to be seen whether Huawei’s latest initiative helps it establish a presence in the US. But with the Chinese company going the extra mile to assuage the fears of politicians on Capitol Hill, it may soon become clear whether the anti-Huawei lobby is more concerned about national security or protectionism.
