Exploring the Key Strategies for Securing Enterprise Private 5G Networks

Private 5G Networks: A Key Asset for Enterprises, but Security is Paramount

Introduction

Private 5G networks are gaining prominence as enterprises seek solutions to address common challenges across various industries. In a recent survey conducted by Omdia in partnership with Trend Micro and CTOne, 150 organizations and 150 service providers were surveyed to understand their strategies for securing 5G networks. The survey revealed that organizations deploy 5G primarily to achieve faster operations, handle a greater number of connected devices, and lower operational costs. While 5G has an increased security focus compared to previous mobile protocols, it is essential to recognize the limitations of its “security by design” approach and the need for additional security measures.

Understanding the Limitations of 5G Network Security

When deploying a private 5G network, organizations must not solely rely on the inherent security features of the network. While 5G offers enhancements in terms of authentication, access control, and encryption, it does not guarantee absolute security. Comprehensive security considerations must extend beyond the network itself and encompass people, processes, and technology. This becomes particularly crucial when dealing with new endpoints such as IoT devices and mission-critical requirements. Omdia’s survey highlights that many organizations are aware of these additional security requirements, with security visibility, risk control management, and streamlined alerting being their top priorities.

Determining Responsibility

It is crucial to recognize that there is a shared responsibility in 5G networks, and the distribution of responsibilities may vary between organizations. The deployment models of 5G networks can differ significantly. Enterprises typically engage with service providers and system integrators at various stages, including planning, deployment, and operation. Therefore, it becomes vital for organizations to set clear responsibilities in these partnerships. Omdia’s research indicates that most enterprises expect to manage the core of the 5G private network, IoT devices, and the data network. They rely on service providers and suppliers for managing the radio access network (RAN) and multi-access edge compute (MEC) elements. While the enterprise may not directly secure the RAN and MEC, they must ensure that their partners provide a secure product and service.

Integrating New Security Measures

When asked about integrating enterprise 5G network security with existing measures, the majority of organizations (60%) believe that it requires new security measures fully integrated with their existing tools and services. Integration is crucial due to the complexity of 5G networks, which can pose challenges in terms of management and skills. Misconfiguration and underutilized technology can hinder cybersecurity efforts. While some respondents plan to run new 5G security measures separately (15%) or handle 5G security with existing tools and services (25%), special attention is required for the unique aspects of 5G, such as granular visibility into cellular networks, security management of a high volume of connected devices, threats related to SIM cards, air interface vulnerabilities, and physical tampering with RAN equipment. While existing IT security tools and services can be applied to 5G networks, there are specific nuances that demand focused attention.

Considering the Entire Landscape

Organizations must have a comprehensive view of their 5G network alongside other technologies like operational technology (OT) and IoT. This requires extending visibility and monitoring across IT, communications technology (CT), devices, infrastructure, and networks, and applying proactive protection, detection, and response mechanisms. With the proliferation of IoT devices, the volume of connected devices will significantly increase in 5G networks. According to the survey, 61% of organizations are deploying 5G to accommodate a greater number of connected IoT devices. These devices often have security vulnerabilities that organizations must address, not just in terms of the devices themselves but also in communication, data, and applications. Granular policies must be applied to mobile devices, considering the authentication of devices to the network, user identification, device processes, and data flow. The complexity arising from deploying 5G across multiple sites highlights the importance of tooling and technology that can provide clear visualization of the network environment and its connected devices.

Editorial: Balancing Innovation and Security in Private 5G Networks

Private 5G networks offer enterprises numerous benefits, from faster operations to increased device capacity. As organizations embrace this technology, they must prioritize cybersecurity to mitigate potential risks and ensure the resilience of their networks. While 5G networks come with improved security features compared to their predecessors, they are not immune to threats. Therefore, it is imperative for organizations to be aware of the limitations and take additional security measures.

Shared responsibility is a key principle in securing 5G networks. Organizations must collaborate effectively with service providers and system integrators to define clear responsibilities at every stage of network deployment and operation. Additionally, enterprises should incorporate new security measures into their existing tools and services, ensuring integration and addressing the unique challenges posed by 5G networks.

A holistic approach to network security is essential. Enterprises should consider the entire landscape, including OT and IoT, and extend visibility and monitoring across all components. With the proliferation of IoT devices, organizations must be prepared to secure a larger number of connected devices and develop granular policies to govern their actions. This requires proactive protection, detection, and response mechanisms specifically tailored to the complexities of 5G networks.

While private 5G networks offer tremendous opportunities for enterprises, they also introduce new risks. Hence, organizations must strike a balance between innovation and security. By understanding the limitations of 5G security, determining shared responsibilities, integrating appropriate security measures, and considering the entire network ecosystem, enterprises can navigate the complexities of private 5G networks while safeguarding against potential threats.

Advice: Safeguarding Your Private 5G Network

As organizations deploy private 5G networks, it is crucial to prioritize cybersecurity to protect critical operations and data. Here are several best practices to safeguard your private 5G network:

1. Understand the Limitations:

Recognize that 5G networks are not inherently secure. Assess the additional security considerations across people, processes, and technology, particularly when integrating IoT devices and addressing mission-critical requirements.

2. Determine Responsibilities:

Clarify roles and responsibilities with service providers and system integrators. Clearly define who is responsible for each aspect of the 5G network, ensuring that security measures are in place throughout the partnership.

3. Integrate New Security Measures:

Implement new security measures that are fully integrated with existing tools and services. Consider the complexities of 5G networks and address the unique security challenges they present, such as granular visibility, high device volume, SIM card threats, air interface vulnerabilities, and physical tampering risks.

4. Prioritize Visibility and Monitoring:

Extend visibility and monitoring capabilities across the entire network ecosystem, including IT, CT, devices, infrastructure, and networks. Utilize tools and technologies that provide a comprehensive view of the network environment and its connected devices.

5. Develop Granular Policies:

Define granular policies to govern the actions of mobile devices, ensuring secure authentication, user identification, and data flow. Consider the security vulnerabilities of IoT devices and implement proactive protective measures.

By following these best practices, organizations can build a robust security framework for their private 5G networks. The diligent implementation of security measures will enable enterprises to leverage the benefits of 5G while safeguarding their operations and data against potential threats.