The European Union has warned in a risk analysis of an increasing number of cyberattacks. These attacks mainly involve those supported by a non-European country using equipment necessary for the 5G network.
The EU calls it "crucial" that risks involved in setting up new 5G networks are thoroughly examined. "Potential attackers of 5G networks are primarily non-European countries and hackers receiving state support," the statement says.
In March this year, the European Commission decided that all countries must prepare a risk analysis addressing possible threats and vulnerabilities for the new 5G network that will be rolled out in the first member states from 2020 onwards.
The indirect trigger for the investigation was the accusations from the US against Huawei, which was alleged to be spying for the Chinese government. No evidence has ever been made public, and Huawei has always denied these claims. The EU report, however, does not mention any specific countries or companies.
In July, Dutch Minister Ferd Grapperhaus (Justice and Security) already announced that Dutch telecom companies are allowed to use Huawei equipment. Norway also indicated that Huawei would not be excluded in the construction of this new network, which promises higher speed and capacity.
The EU emphasizes the importance of establishing a secure 5G network. "This technology will be the backbone of our society and economy in the coming years. It concerns not only the billions of devices that will be connected, but also our banks, energy supply, and healthcare systems will operate with it. It is essential that this sensitive information cannot be misused."