What Does This Mean for Your Ethernet Extenders and Equipment?
In today’s connected world, Ethernet extenders and equipment play an essential role in connecting businesses and individuals across the globe. However, with this increased connectivity comes an increased risk of security breaches and attacks. The US government has responded to this threat by implementing strict security regulations that impact the use of Ethernet extenders and other network equipment. In this article, we will explore what these regulations mean for users and why they are essential for maintaining the security of our networks.
The US Government is very particular about what kind of hardware and software it uses within its departments and agencies. Products from web security firm Kaspersky, for instance, have been blacklisted by all government agencies and government-adjacent organizations since 2017. Two years later, Section 889 of the Fiscal 2019 NDAA expressly prohibited the use of Huawei and ZTE equipment within government infrastructure.
Even if you do not work in government yourself, and even if your business does not provide services to government agencies – so you are not explicitly banned from using this technology – this is still something that is worth taking note of. Take a look at Kaspersky as an example – Kaspersky has been accused of working with Russian intelligence agencies, which makes them wholly unsuitable as a solutions provider at a high level in the US.
And how about Huawei? As a major player in the Chinese tech and corporate spheres, Huawei has inherent links to the governing Communist Party in the PRC, effectively putting Huawei under the control – or at least the influence – of a foreign power.
While there is no direct evidence to show that Huawei has been spying on the United States government or its citizens via installed hardware, the risk remains high.
Guarding Against Potential Vulnerabilities
So, why is this important for anyone in search of Ethernet extenders and other pieces of equipment? It’s important because it demonstrates how vulnerable hardware can be if it is manipulated by the wrong hands. When we think of cybersecurity, we may immediately think of digital threats – malware, trojans, and other viruses that are transmitted to the computer system via digital portals and access points. Perhaps these access points are downloadable files, spam emails, or malicious software.
The anxiety around Huawei – the US government security regulations that have been implemented in response to this – shows that hardware is just as great a concern for organizations in America as software security or employee behavior. All Ethernet cables, Power over Ethernet extenders, and all other hardware solutions that you deploy within your organization need to be sourced from trustworthy locations and providers. If not, you may be at risk.
Security Regulations and Their Purpose
The US government has implemented several security regulations that affect Ethernet extenders and equipment, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-53 and the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) Publication 140-2. These regulations aim to ensure the security of government networks and data by setting specific standards for the products and services used by government agencies.
The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that Ethernet extenders and other network equipment meet specific security standards, such as encryption, access control, and intrusion detection. By implementing these regulations, the government can maintain the security and integrity of its networks and data while also protecting against potential threats.
The High Cost of Working with the Wrong Provider
If you put the data of your customers, employees, partners, or any other entities at risk – either willingly or through negligence – you will be held accountable. This accountability can extend to fines and even more severe criminal procedures brought against you and your organization.
With this in mind, you need to apply the same care and attention to selecting your hardware as to your software and your company usage policies. Where possible, only work with custom OEM solution providers who are approved for deployment within government agencies and departments. The US government adopts a policy of careful selection and vetting when it comes to the hardware they use, and mirroring this policy is an effective way to achieve watertight security within your own operations.
Impact on Ethernet Extenders and Equipment
The implementation of these security regulations has had a significant impact on Ethernet extenders and other network equipment. To comply with these regulations, manufacturers of Ethernet extenders and other network equipment must meet specific security standards and undergo extensive testing to ensure compliance. As a result, the cost of producing and testing Ethernet extenders and other network equipment has increased, which can result in higher prices for consumers.
However, the benefits of these regulations outweigh the costs. By ensuring that Ethernet extenders and other network equipment meet specific security standards, the risk of security breaches and attacks is significantly reduced. This, in turn, reduces the risk of data theft and loss, which can have serious consequences for individuals and businesses alike.
The US Government’s Security Regulations in Facts
- The NIST Special Publication 800-53 contains over 1,000 security controls that must be met by Ethernet extenders and other network equipment.
- FIPS Publication 140-2 outlines the specific security requirements for cryptographic modules used in Ethernet extenders and other network equipment.
- The US government spends over $15 billion annually on cybersecurity measures to protect its networks and data.
- In 2020, there were over 1000 data breaches reported in the United States alone, resulting in the exposure of over 155 million records.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
In conclusion, it is crucial to recognize the significance of the security regulations imposed by the US government on Ethernet extenders and similar network equipment. These regulations play a vital role in safeguarding the integrity and safety of our networks and data. Although they might lead to elevated expenses for consumers, the advantages of enhanced security outweigh the associated costs. It is important to familiarize ourselves with these regulations and ensure that the Ethernet extenders and other network equipment we employ adhere to them. This proactive approach will assist us in fortifying our networks against potential security breaches and attacks.
Your Government-approved Ethernet Hardware Provider
We provide gigabit Ethernet Extenders and Coax Ethernet extenders and a wide range of custom OEM solutions to the US government – the only provider licensed to work with government bodies and agencies. Understanding and following all of the security regulations we continue to provide you the best licensed equipment you need most. This peace of mind is backed up with a 45-day trial and money-back guarantee. You can trust us to provide you with what you need. Find the solutions you need in our range today and let the professionals do their work.
