Security News > 2023 > December > National Grid latest UK org to zap Chinese kit from critical infrastructure

The National Grid is reportedly the latest organization in the UK to begin pulling China-manufactured equipment from its network over cybersecurity fears.

The contract with the UK subsidiary of China's state-owned Nari Technology, NR Electric UK, was terminated after seeking advice from the National Cyber Security Centre, according to sources who spoke to the Financial Times.

Cybersecurity concerns were not raised in previous conversations held between NR Electric UK and National Grid, an employee for the Nanjing-based company said.

This is the latest example of a Chinese company being ousted from the UK's critical infrastructure network over cybersecurity concerns.

While an EU-wide ban is being considered, Germany, which initially refused to rip Huawei's kit out of its 5G networks, has now said it will remove Huawei equipment regardless of the cost involved, and that "The risks have been known for a long time."

In Huawei's case, the decision to remove its kit was made largely out of fears that Beijing can legally compel companies to share data with it, which could in theory include data collected from operations in other countries.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2023/12/18/national_grid_bans_china_equipment/