The Public Switched Network (PSN) provides critical commercial telecommunications services and National Security and
Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP)' telecommunications. Service providers, equipment manufacturers, users, and the Federal
Government are concerned that vulnerabilities in the PSN could be exploited and result in disruptions or degradation of
service. To address these threats, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is collaborating with Bellcore
to investigate the vulnerabilities and related security issues that result from the use of open systems architectures in the
telecommunications industry. Security features required to counter the threats are identified.
A series of Telecommunication Security Guidelines (TSGs) that address a hierarchy of telecommunication architectures
of increasing complexity may be produced. This first guideline focuses on two specific components of a
Telecommunications Management Network (TMN)^ - Network Elements (NEs) and Mediation Devices (MDs) - with
emphasis on the security features needed to protect the Operations, Administration, Maintenance, and Provisioning
(OAM&P) of these components.
This TSG is intended to provide a security baseline for NEs and MDs that is based on commercial security needs. In
addition, some NS/EP security requirements will be integrated into the baseline to address specific network security needs.
The guideline should assist telecommunications vendors in developing systems and service providers in implementing
systems with appropriate security for integration into the PSN. It can also be used by a government agency or a commercial
organization to formulate a specific security policy. It does not stipulate regulatory requirements or mandated standards
of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
