Relates to the security of telecommunications service centers and their assets

1 Co-sponsor

• William J. Larkin Jr.

BILL NUMBER:S3122A

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law and the general business law, in relation to telecommunication service security

Purpose of the bill

This bill would improve telecommunication security by restricting access to telecommunication hardware and software to authorized employees, and require the performance of a security audit of New York's Telecommunication centers.

Summary of specific provisions

Specifically, this bill would:

1. Amend the executive law to require the New York State Office of Homeland Security, in cooperation with the Division of the State Police, to perform an investigation and, on or before April 1, 2010, and shall issue a report to the governor, the temporary president of the senate, and the speaker of the state assembly, on telecommunication security in New York State. Such investigation and report shall examine the facilities and operations of all corporations which offer or provide telecommunications services, and shall examine and report on the safety and security of all facilities, equipment and procedures of such corporations and make recommendations with respect to the improvement of the security thereof; and

2. Amend the general business law to provide that no corporation which offers or provides telecommunications services shall permit access to any hardware or software, or any portion of a facility owned or operated by such corporation, where such hardware or software is maintained, where such hardware or software provides switching, transforming, computer or other technological services in the delivery of its telecommunication services, except by employees of the corporation who have satisfied the requirements of a security background check, as designed and administered by the New York State Office of Homeland Security and the Division of the State Police.

Justification

One of the proven targets of modern day terrorists and criminals is communication centers. These centers provide an invaluable service to our modem life, public safety and economy. The openness of our society has left them especially vulnerable to attack, with exponential consequences. This legislation would take two major steps to improve security of our state's telecommunications: (i) by restricting access to the hardware and software of such facilities to only authorized employees who have passed a background check examination; and, (ii) by requiring the state office of homeland security, in cooperation with the division of the state police, to perform an investigation and issue a report on how to improve telecommunication security throughout New York State.

These measures seek to help both deter attacks from occurring, and minimize their severity if they do occur at these important infrastructure installations. In so doing, it will make our state, its citizens and communities, safer and more secure.

Prior legislative history

2013: S.3122 - Veteran, Homeland Security & Military Affairs 2011-2012: S.3249 - Veteran, Homeland Security & Military Affairs 2009-2010: S.4698/A.10462 -Died in Veteran, Homeland

Security & Military Affairs; Died in Gov. Ops. 2007-2008: S.3586/A.8301 - Died in Rules; Died in Gov. Ops.

Budget implications

None.

Effective date

This act would take effect immediately.