5G is a wireless technology with higher speeds and increased bandwidth, which means that you can download/stream videos online at a faster rate without worrying much about the number of users on the network. 5G networks also help reduce the time needed for data to travel across the network. This process is called latency, which is a major factor in automated processes, such as self-driving cars and factory robots. Due to the massive connectivity of devices collectively known as the Internet of Things (IoT) across 5G networks, viable and in-depth security measures should be in place to prevent cybercriminals from hijacking the connected devices or launching Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.
5G Networks are an important component of the next-generation digital transformation. This technological advancement brings its own share of risk as indicated below:
While the use examples above show vulnerabilities in the 5G Network, there are built-in security components to help mitigate these threats. A major component of 5G is trustworthiness, which is devised from a set of technical security features, system design principles, and implementation considerations. Below are some of the intrinsic security components of 5G:
i) Secure Edge
Real-Time detection should be available at the edge such that it detects and stop attacks before it makes it to the core.
ii) Secure SDN Controller
The use of a secure SDN Controller will manage flow control to the switches/routers, and support proactive/reactive security monitoring and traffic analysis.
iii) Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Protection
Based on patterns discovered in previous breach attempts, Machine Learning and AI are used to detect the possibility of a breach in a network.
iv) Hypervisor and Container Security
Virtual elements in a Hypervisor should be protected from VM based attacks. Hypervisor inspection should be included by Network Operators to prevent such attacks.
v) Security through Orchestration
This type of security leverages the 5G Network’s software-defined architecture to orchestrate virtual network functions to react automatically and alert the orchestrator to a breach. Orchestrators can instruct a software-defined networking controller to enact a security protocol to halt the attack.
The 5G Security Mechanism developed by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) is the new radio access technology that provides a reliable link for non-malicious poor radio conditions.
i) Confidentiality of User Plane Data
The traffic data transmitted over the network are the end-users’ encrypted data to prevent eavesdropping over the air.
ii) Encryption and Integrity Protection
3GPP Standards ensure correct choices are made during the selection of encryption and integrity protection algorithms. 3GPP depends on well-proven IETF Security protocols.
iii) A False Base Station
In 3GPP, International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) theft is prevented. This is through an approach where the users’ long term identifier is not transmitted over the radio interface in simple text.
iv) Compartmentalization
It is achieved in 5G by the use of functions that prevents possible security breaches from moving up from one part of the network to another. With this, the security of sensitive data is ensured even when a part of the network is breached.
At Wilson Consulting Group, we recognize that security is a top priority for businesses. We provide security solutions for 5G Networks that evaluate the security of devices and networks in businesses and help to protect them from cyber attacks by:
Wilson Consulting Group is an innovative global cybersecurity consulting firm. We offer Cyber Intelligence, Cyber Security Assessment, Penetration Testing, and Vulnerability Assessment Services to evaluate any threats that your organization may face and provide solutions to combat them.