HUAWEI: Separating fact from fiction
MORE: Huawei customers defend their security after congressional report
Philippe Courtot, CEO of vulnerability-assessment scanning services company Qualys, says he doesn't know if the Chinese government is involved in such activities with these companies. But Huawei, which is known to be exploring the possibility of an IPO, should move forcibly to distance itself from any connection to the Chinese government, he says.
Though he says having a Congressional report label you a threat to national security could push the company out of the U.S. market, it's still possible for Huawei to respond in a way to build confidence.
"It's an opportunity to become transparent," Courtot says. "They need to disconnect themselves from the Chinese government" and try to clear the air regarding the accusations.
Huawei today said it is in no way cooperating with cyberspying by the Chinese government.
"We absolutely unequivocally reject any such notion. Indeed, it is complete and utter nonsense. We're a world-respected and trusted $32 billion company doing business in 150 markets - we would not jeopardize our commercial success for any government," said Bill Plummer, vice president of external affairs.
Courtot argues that if Huawei cannot show transparency and independence from the Chinese Communist government in its business affairs, it may slow down the Chinese telecom company's growth. But he predicted the likely outcome from this week's Congressional report might be to slow down its sales in the U.S. but not in the rest of the world.
The House report about the two Chinese telecom companies "is raising some valid concerns," says Jagdish Rebello, director for consumer and communications at research firm IHS. He says there is significant opportunity to plant hidden code in a system.
