Mutually Agreed Norms for Routing Security (MANRS) recommendations provide a coordinated approach to improve global routing system

[Washington, D.C., USA and Geneva, Switzerland] – 6 November 2014 – Leading network operators around the world today announced that they have implemented a package of recommended measures that help improve the security and resilience of the global Internet.

Working together, network operators have developed a tightly defined set of concrete actions to improve the global Internet routing system. The recommendations, called Mutually Agreed Norms for Routing Security (MANRS), recognize the interdependent nature of the global routing system and integrate best current practices related to routing security and resilience. More network operators from across the globe are encouraged to sign onto the movement and participate by visiting the website at www.manrs.org and completing the signup form.

Organized by the Internet Society, and building on the demonstrated success of coordinated industry activities such as World IPv6 Day and World IPv6 Launch, MANRS represents a significant step forward towards building a more resilient and secure Internet infrastructure.

“The security of the Internet as a network of networks often relies on specific collaborative action. This initiative increases the security of the Internet by improving resiliency and stability of the underlying routing infrastructure,” commented Olaf Kolkman, the Internet Society’s Chief Internet Technology Officer. “Participating network operators committed to the MANRS initiative are taking actions that address problems with incorrect routing information and spoofed traffic, demonstrating their collective responsibility to a healthy and secure Internet ecosystem. We encourage and look forward to other network operators around the world publicly taking these steps.”

Participating network operators have taken one or several of the expected actions defined by the MANRS framework. These include preventing propagation of incorrect routing information, preventing traffic with spoofed IP addresses, and facilitating global operational communication and coordination between network operators. Committed network operators are:

CERNET

Claranet

Comcast

KPN

Level 3

NTT

RUNNet

SpaceNet

SURFnet

Several of the participating network operators commented on their actions and today’s announcement:

“Adherence to MANRS is an important commitment that operators make back to the Internet community. Together we aim to remove the havens from which miscreants maintain the freedom and anonymity to attack our network and our customers.”

-David Freedman, Claranet Group

”Comcast is committed to helping drive improvements to the reliability of the Internet ecosystem. We are thrilled to be engaged with other infrastructure participants across the spectrum and around the globe in pursuit of these goals.”

-Jason Livingood, Vice President, Internet Services, Comcast

“Good network routing practice is the fundamental requirement for trust between providers, and ultimately creates a safer and stronger Internet for customers. KPN is committed to providing secure and trustworthy communications, and by joining partners in MANRS, we continue to improve security and resiliency for all.”

-Jaya Baloo, Chief Information Security Officer, KPN

“As one of the most connected Internet providers in the world, security of the Internet is top-of-mind at Level 3 Communications. We are dedicated to supporting and protecting the Internet ecosystem and work each day to safeguard customers’ critical communications. The Internet is a shared responsibility, and only through these important collaborative efforts can we continue to ensure the protection of this collective infrastructure.”

-Dale Drew, Senior Vice President, Chief Security Officer at Level 3 Communications

“SURFnet is a big supporter of these initiatives to make the Internet more secure. Committing to the actions as outlined in the MANRS document will make routing on the Internet safer. This impacts every day usage of the Internet and helps with a free, open, and more secure Internet for all users.”

-Erik Huizer, CTO, SURFnet

For more information about MANRS and the Routing Resilience Manifesto visit:

http://www.manrs.org