Security and Privacy Evolution
Advanced Solutions for More Secure Networks
The Security and Privacy Evolution Vector addresses the critical need to support security across network layers by applying advanced cryptographic, AI, identity and routing tools that help address today's challenges and mitigate evolving threats.
Supporting Network Security with a Comprehensive Multi-Layered Approach
Several factors are reshaping broadband security: the designation of networks as critical infrastructure, stricter incident reporting requirements, evolving cyber threats against subscribers and their data, and rising expectations for seamless interoperability. Prioritizing making security foundational and embedding it throughout the network architecture, this vector combines the following:
Combating Cyber Threats
Increasingly sophisticated attacks against the network require advanced security solutions like AI-powered anomaly detection to safeguard networks and data.
Strengthening Privacy and Trust
Reliable security practices — including identity authentication, fully-credentialed and authenticated enforcement and data protection — enhance customer confidence.
Supporting Network Advancements
Security innovations provide a secure foundation for Internet of Things (IoT), Routing, Gateways, AI and next-generation applications.
Priorities Include
Interconnection, Operations and Network Security (IONS)
Developing secure routing and advancing Zero Trust architectural approaches across broadband network infrastructure to support the development of secure, intelligent telemetry standards while addressing malicious traffic and evolving cyber threats.
Cryptography
Collaboratively developing industry guidance for migrating to new cryptographic solutions, including post-quantum algorithms. By building flexibility into digital certificates and operator networks, operators can adapt to emerging threats while helping manage equipment replacement costs.
AI Security
Leveraging AI to enhance cybersecurity while promoting responsible AI development and use. We engage in thought leadership to inform responsible AI practices, evaluate regulatory risk, and develop shared reference models and collaborative forums addressing security, privacy and anti-abuse considerations within AI and machine learning (ML).
Secure Smart Homes and Devices
Creating seamless, secure and privacy-protected broadband experiences that build subscriber trust and improve ease of automation and operation. Our standards leadership enables us to build technologies that can be integrated incrementally into vendor devices.
Federated Identity, Authentication and Privacy
Establishing a framework for robust device and user identification, authentication and authorization across mobile, Wi-Fi and terrestrial networks. We also contribute to advancing protocols and standards that empower users and enable protections for privacy.
Future-Ready Labs
Improving and adding capabilities to our labs to implement and test new security and privacy technologies. These efforts support the industry’s use of digital certificates and trusted network operations.
Security and Privacy Evolution in Action
Driving Innovation in Cybersecurity and Public-Private Collaboration
CableLabs leads the development of technical specifications and cybersecurity standards that have shaped national policy and reinforced the broadband industry’s role as a trusted partner in securing America’s digital infrastructure. Through collaboration with federal agencies, state and local governments, and cross-sector partners like the Communications Sector Coordinating Council (CSCC), the industry advances critical information sharing and incident response initiatives in direct support of national security and emergency preparedness efforts.
At the federal level, these contributions have been recognized and cited by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Setting the Standard for Security Leadership
The broadband industry advances security through real-world deployment and technical leadership across the home, enterprise, network infrastructure and the broader internet ecosystem.
Home
We published the widely adopted CableLabs Gateway Device Security Best Common Practices for home routers and access points, and we lead ongoing efforts to standardize IoT security in the home.
Enterprise
Our contributions include addressing ransomware threats and developing tools to mitigate the impact of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks on businesses.
Network Infrastructure
CableLabs published the Zero Trust and Infrastructure Security Best Common Practices and contributed substantially to 3GPP mobile security specifications and IEEE optical networking specifications.
Internet Ecosystem
A cross-industry benchmark, CableLabs’ Cybersecurity Framework Profile for Internet Routing provides actionable guidance on mitigating vulnerabilities in the Border Gateway Protocol, the internet’s core routing protocol. In addition, our DOCSIS security standards continue to evolve to protect broadband subscribers.
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Dig Deeper
Learn more about the Technology Vision and the other vectors that form this framework.
Shape the Vision, Build the Future
CableLabs’ working groups are actively engaged in work that intersects with the policy domain. Join us to collaborate, solve challenges and make an impact as we determine what’s next together.
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