Last week, I had the opportunity to speak on a panel at the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) show in Denver, CO, alongside Dr. Mike Dienhart, VP of Engineering and Network Operations at UScellular, and Justin Dellaportas, Chief Information Security Officer at Syniverse. Our session, “Exploring Security: A Comprehensive Approach,” brought together different perspectives from across the telecom and cybersecurity landscape, and I’m grateful to have been part of such an insightful conversation.

What made this panel especially compelling was the diversity of experiences and viewpoints each speaker brought. We all agreed on one key point: cybersecurity in telecom is no longer optional - it’s essential.

Security starts with the right mindset

One of the most powerful takeaways from the discussion was the concept of adopting an “assume breach” mentality. Rather than simply focusing on building stronger walls, today’s security leaders must operate under the premise that threats are already inside. This mindset encourages proactive threat hunting, continuous monitoring, and rapid response capabilities as table stakes, not afterthoughts.

Bridging the gap between network and security

Another theme that emerged was the gap between network and security teams. In many organizations, these groups operate in silos—which can create vulnerabilities. Our discussion emphasized how critical it is to foster collaboration and shared accountability between these departments. We need interconnected networks that are not only efficient but also secure by design. 

The role of automation and AI in network security

We also discussed the importance of automation in network security operations (SOC), especially leveraging AI/ML and Generative AI to detect and remediate advanced threats. The ability to respond quickly and reduce dwell time is crucial in minimizing the impact of cyberattacks. These technologies enable quicker, more accurate detection and allow for more effective responses to the ever-evolving threat landscape.

Supply chain security & privileged access management

The conversation also highlighted the need for supply chain security and privileged access management (PAM) to ensure secured and centralized network access. Securing the network starts with controlling who has access to critical systems, ensuring that only authorized personnel can make changes and respond to incidents.

API security & evolving threats

I highlighted the growing importance of API security. As networks become more open and programmable, APIs present an attractive target for attackers. Securing these touchpoints is no longer just an IT task; it’s a business imperative.

We also discussed the evolving nature of cyber threats. Dr. Dienhart noted, “It’s foolish to solve yesterday’s problem for tomorrow’s attack—it’s already different.” The threat landscape shifts so quickly that reactive strategies simply aren’t enough. Agility and adaptability must be built into every layer of the security posture.

Balancing investment with reality

We also acknowledged a challenge that many regional carriers face: budget constraints. Security investments can be expensive, and the ROI isn’t always immediately visible. But during the panel, we agreed that all it takes is one breach — one service disruption, one reputational hit, one regulatory fine—to feel the cost of not investing. Security may not be a revenue driver, but it is a business enabler.

That said, it’s important to start somewhere. For many regional operators, beginning with perimeter security and employee training is a practical and effective step. Security doesn’t have to be perfect on day one, but it does need to be prioritized.

At the end of the day, it’s about the customer

Above all, our conversation kept circling back to the same point: the customer. Protecting the network is ultimately about protecting the people who rely on it. Whether we’re securing APIs, bridging internal silos, or shifting our mindset—we’re doing it to build trust, reliability, and resilience for the end user.

Thanks again to CCA for the opportunity to participate in this important conversation. The work continues, and I’m excited to keep learning and collaborating with industry leaders to help drive a more secure future for telecom.