DWT ADVISORY: FCC Launches NOI on Voluntary Cybersecurity Certification Program
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) on April 21, 2010, seeking public comment on the proposed creation of a voluntary cybersecurity certification program by which participating communications service providers would be certified—by the FCC or a third party, as determined by the FCC—as adhering to a set of cybersecurity objectives and/or practices.
The program begins the process of effectuating a recommendation in the National Broadband Plan, issued by the FCC last month, by seeking to increase the security of the nation’s broadband infrastructure, promote a culture of more vigilant cybersecurity, and offer end-users more complete information about their communication service providers’ cybersecurity practices.
Comments on the NOI will be due 60 days from the date of its publication in the Federal Register, which generally occurs several days or weeks after FCC release of an action such as this.