BILL NUMBER:  S4698

 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 modem day terrorists and criminals is
communication centers. These centers provide an invaluable service to
our modern 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.

First, by restricting access to the hardware and software of such
facilities to only authorized employees who have passed a background
check examination.

Second, 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 :
2008 - S.3586 - Reported to 3rd Reading Calendar.

 BUDGET IMPLICATIONS :

None Noted.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act would take effect immediately.