NSCS issues clarification on applicability of National Security Directive on AMC/Update/Upgrades

The National Security Cyber Secretariat (NCSC) last week issued a clarification on the applicability of National Security Directive on Telecommunication Sector on AMC/Update/Upgrades. The clarification has been issued by the Secretariat to offer more clarity to telecom service providers (TSPs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

“To bring more clarity to TSPs / OEMs on the applicability of NSDTS on AMC/Update/Upgrades the following scenarios have been worked out to highlight the requirement for Approval through Trusted Telecom Portal,” said NSCS is a clarification.

As per the clarification issued by the NSCS, Software Update, Software Expansion, Hardware Update, AMC/Services/Installation Material, Equipment against Fault/Breakdown Equipment, and Redeployment/Equipment Swap will not require approval from the National Cyber Security Coordinator’s office.

However, Software Upgrade, Hardware Upgrade/Extension, and AMC with Software Update will require approval from the National Cyber Security Coordinator’s office through the Trusted Telecom Portal.

Software Upgrade has been defined as a scenario wherein the feature and functionality of a system can be changed by the installation of an upgraded version of the software in the existing or new hardware. Hardware Upgrade/Extension has been defined as a scenario including the addition of new equipment in the network. AMC with Software Update has been defined as a scenario including the installation of an updated version of the software in the existing hardware that can change the functionality and feature of the system along with the AMC.