British security is reportedly equipped to handle perceived Huawei 5G concerns

Huawei’s 5G efforts have been marred with security concerns as of late, with the US most recently pressuring its allies into banning the company from network infrastructures. It doesn’t seem as though the UK agrees, as British Intelligence determines any potential threat can be managed.

While things have been relatively clear cut for the United States, which has implemented a zero-tolerance policy against Huawei, BT and EE are the only companies in the United Kingdom to have opted for a similar approach. A new, unpublished report from the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) seems to be more accepting of the company, according to a discussion between sources familiar with the matter and The Financial Times.

One source in particular described the decision to “carry great weight” given that the UK is the only European country with access to US intelligence thanks to its involvement in the Five Eyes alliance alongside Australia, New Zealand and Canada. “Other nations can make the argument that if the British are confident of mitigation against national security threats then they can also reassure their public,” reads the publication.

So far, NCSC parent organisation Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) has found no evidence of a backdoor in Huawei’s equipment despite accusations from the US, Poland and Australia that the company is in league with the Chinese government. The US in particular continues to argue that while a backdoor might not be abundantly clear now, it doesn’t stop malicious intent once the network has been put in place.

The NCSC’s research is sure to be a breath of fresh air for Huawei, which said it would happily comply with supervision from official regulators and even concerned shareholders. Still, this doesn’t stop the EU or even the UK itself from deciding to rule against Huawei.

KitGuru Says: It seems as though countries around the world could finally come to a decision in the near future, yet things still remain unclear. What do you make of this whole debacle so far?

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