Certification counteracts threats when upgrading public network systems to IP technology

MARLOW, UK, 28th May 2013 – MLL Telecom, one of the UK’s leading providers of fully managed networks, has today announced that it has been awarded the CESG Assured Service certification for telecoms in light of the work it is carrying out as part of the HMG Public Services Network (PSN) initiative. MLL Telecom is one of a handful of companies (50-100 people) in the UK that has been awarded this CAS (T) certification.

The certification was awarded with regards to the operation and management of the Next Generation Network (‘NGN’) commissioned by Customer Service Direct - a joint venture between BT and Suffolk County Council. The Next Generation Network consists of a core MPLS network, DSLAM access network in unbundled exchanges and an extensive router access layer, connected with LLU and Openreach Ethernet products.

The awarded certification acts as an assurance for both the public sector and private sector, demonstrating that MLL Telecom can design and operate a network that meets the requirements of the PSN initiative. At the same time, it enables large telecommunications companies and systems integrators to collaborate with MLL Telecom on large network projects with information security requirements up to business impact level 2-2-4 (2 for integrity, 2 for confidentiality and 4 for availability), for the transmission of UNCLASSIFIED and PROTECT data. Moreover, the certification will also allow customers to build smaller and/or specialised networks that are not procured through the PSN framework but that will be capable of connecting to a PSN in the future.

The scheme builds upon the MLL Telecom Information Security Management System (ISMS) certification to ISO 27001, with additional specific guidance as defined and maintained by CESG. The scheme is currently designed for telecoms services, although it may be applicable to other Information Communication and Technology (ICT) services in the future.

Simon Banks, Director, Service Development and acting CISO, MLL Telecom commented: “This certification is testament to the work we have been doing and are continuing to carry out with public sector organisations across the UK. It is a foundation stone of our complete portfolio of telecommunications service capabilities, enabling us to provide a truly integrated and secure service proposition. The CAS (T) certification will enable us to get involved in more projects, delivering specialised networking services that meet the increasing need for efficient connectivity across different regions of the UK.”

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