BILL NUMBER:S3888

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:

2013-14: S.3122 - Veteran, Homeland Security & Military Affairs
2011-12: S.3249 - Veteran, Homeland Security & Military Affairs
2009-10: S.4698/A.10462 - Referred to Veterans; Died in Gov. Ops.
2007-08: S.3586/A.8301 - Died in Rules; Died in Gov. Ops.

BUDGET IMPLICATIONS:

None.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

This act would take effect immediately.