Big changes are happening at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). With Jessica Rosenworcel stepping down as the Democratic chair, the spotlight is on her legacy and what’s next for telecom cybersecurity. Let’s break it down.
Rosenworcel’s Legacy: Strengthening Cybersecurity in Telecom
Jessica Rosenworcel didn’t just talk about cybersecurity—she took action. During her time at the FCC, she introduced key measures to keep telecom networks safer from the ever-growing wave of cyber threats.
Here’s what stood out:
Incident Reporting: Rosenworcel made it mandatory for telecom operators to report cybersecurity incidents faster, giving everyone a better chance to respond before things got out of hand.
Baseline Security Standards: She pushed for foundational practices like multifactor authentication and data encryption to become the norm, not the exception.
Industry Collaboration: She encouraged private companies and public agencies to team up and tackle cyber risks together—because no one can solve this alone.
These efforts came at a crucial time, with ransomware attacks and data breaches on the rise.
Challenges Ahead
Now, with Rosenworcel leaving, the big question is: What happens next? Leadership changes often mean shifting priorities, and that’s got people asking:
Will these measures stick around? The new leadership might keep or change them—it’s anyone’s guess.
How will new threats be tackled? With 5G and other emerging technologies, staying ahead of cybercriminals requires constant updates and vigilance.
Can industry partnerships stay strong? Progress depends on the FCC and telecom companies working together. Will that continue?
What’s Next?
The telecom industry is at a crossroads. Rosenworcel set the stage with policies that addressed real vulnerabilities, but the baton is now passing to the next FCC chair. Keeping cybersecurity front and center will be critical—for consumers, businesses, and even national security.
For telecom operators, this is the time to stay vocal. Advocating for strong protections and staying engaged with the FCC can help ensure that progress doesn’t stall. Cyber threats aren’t slowing down, and neither should the efforts to stop them.
Jessica Rosenworcel left a strong foundation, but the future will depend on how her initiatives evolve under new leadership. One thing is certain: cybersecurity isn’t a box to check—it’s a journey we’re all on together.
