> The solution would be quite easy: Disallow devices (and software, too) from phoning home. Disallow remote firmware updates.
But then how will network operators outsource all of their infrastructure maintenance to vendors? That's the problem.
We have this naive idea that companies running networks employ staff to manage their networks. In reality, it hasn't been like that in a while because there has been a tremendous push in the industry to outsource everything to third parties. So the person who owns the cell tower likely has no idea who is maintaining it, much less has that person on their payroll.
This should be a political discussion: Do we want US internet infrastructure to be remote-controlled from China, in exchange for cost savings? Or do we mandate US internet infrastructure providers to train their own US-based employees?
Looking at Comcast's 36% gross profit margin, I don't think they would have any issues employing +100 network engineers to maintain their phone systems themselves ;) They just don't want to.
But then how will network operators outsource all of their infrastructure maintenance to vendors? That's the problem.
We have this naive idea that companies running networks employ staff to manage their networks. In reality, it hasn't been like that in a while because there has been a tremendous push in the industry to outsource everything to third parties. So the person who owns the cell tower likely has no idea who is maintaining it, much less has that person on their payroll.