ICT Coalition: Best Option to Secure the Global Connected Ecosystem is through Industry-led Standards

Arlington, VA (April 12, 2021) – A coalition of nine trade groups including the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), Competitive Carriers Association (CCA), Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, CTIA, Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), NTCA, USTelecom and Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) today sent a letter to Homeland Security Department Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Commerce Department Secretary Gina Raimondo to offer industry support for addressing challenges facing the information communications technology (ICT) industry.

“In the wake of recently revealed, widespread compromises through software vectors like SolarWinds, government and industry face a renewed call to arms to address threats from foreign adversaries,” the letter says. “Of critical importance now is maintaining the United States’ longstanding commitment to industry-led technical standards and best practices to address cybersecurity, supply chain and other global challenges.  Such standards are a bedrock of federal trade, technology and security policy, so it is imperative that your respective Departments champion them.”

The coalition is urging the Biden Administration to refrain from attempting to create its own technical demands or trying to supplant private sector leadership in standards bodies. As the recently released Interim Final Rules that implement aspects of E.O. 13873 are refined, the Commerce Department has the opportunity to take a more effective approach to supply chain security by placing greater focus on industry-led best practices as they represent a proven and positive model for nations working to build a secure, resilient and innovative connected ecosystem.

CLICK HERE to read the coalition letter.