- 5G is the latest generation of mobile wireless technology. It can achieve high speed and low latency.
- Keeping your company’s 5G network secure starts with choosing a trusted provider.
- Keep all your devices up to date, thoroughly train your staff, and use eSIM to stay secure.
- This article is part of 5G Playbook, a series that explores one of the most important technological innovations of our time.
With more than 1 billion subscriptions to 5G mobile connectivity worldwide, this is just the beginning. Ericsson predicts that number will increase to 4.6 billion by 2028, accounting for more than half of all mobile subscriptions.
To meet that demand, approximately 240 service providers have launched commercial networks. Approximately 35 companies have deployed or launched standalone 5G networks.
Whether you use these providers for your enterprise 5G network or build your own private 5G network, it’s important to stay secure. Here, experts offer advice on how.
1. Pay attention to location
Network security is about more than just preventing attackers from breaking into your network. It’s also important to be able to stay online at all times, given that in the coming years 5G is likely to play a key role in many core parts of our lives. , is especially important.
Therefore, it is important to identify the location of the network input.
Sandeep Raithatha, head of strategy, innovation and 5G IoT at Virgin Media O2, said: “Coverage varies depending on where you are, but it’s improving every day.” “Ensuring key locations have access to reliable 5G connectivity. When you need greater control and reliability for mission-critical operations, such as securing your workplace or supporting medical teams during surgeries, Consider a mobile private network that is dedicated to your business and separate from your public network.”
2. Choose your provider wisely
Although many of the 5G standards are defined by the GSMA, an industry group that sets communications standards, there may be unique elements to 5G connectivity, said Alan Woodward, a professor of cybersecurity at the University of Surrey in the UK. he said. “As a result, you may be locked into a number of different vendors,” he added.
To ensure continuity of service and the security of associated communications, we must carefully consider who provides the infrastructure and continue to do so where possible. Similarly, some network providers have been criticized for their association with hostile nation states around the world, so some companies may be hesitant to outsource their corporate security to these companies.
“Topping the list of 5G threats is phone wiretapping, interception and hijacking,” Woodward said.
3. Utilize eSIM functionality
5G connectivity employs a number of cutting-edge technologies, including eSIMs, or electronic versions of traditional SIM cards.
“Try to adopt eSIMs over physical SIMs whenever possible,” said Parm Sandhu, vice president of enterprise 5G products and services at NTT Ltd.
eSIM lays the foundation for a broader IoT ecosystem. 5G means connecting not just people, but endless devices, from smart refrigerators to traffic lights. eSIMs allow you to seamlessly integrate cellular connectivity into these devices, but many of them may not be convenient to manually swap out your SIM, Sandhu told his Business Insider. Ta.
“eSIMs are inherently more secure, especially from a physical perspective,” Sandhu said.
This is because they cannot be stolen like physical devices. Embedded and encrypted within a device, the eSIM provides a bastion of digital identity and works with 5G’s advanced security protocols to provide protection against identity theft and fraud.
4. Update regularly and use multi-factor authentication
Building a 5G network securely is one thing, but keeping it secure is another. Alan Jones, his manager of marketing at D-Link in the UK and Ireland, suggested staying up to date to maintain security.
He said: “We will ensure that all devices connected to 5G networks are regularly updated to patch any known vulnerabilities.”
Additionally, strong authentication is an essential part of keeping your network secure.
“Implement multi-factor authentication to access the network,” he added. Anything less than that is at risk of being hacked by hackers.
5. Educate staff on proper network usage
One of the biggest vulnerabilities in any technology is not the coding used to secure it. Nor is the strength of passwords designed to restrict access. That’s the fallibility of the humans using it. From social engineering to mistaken identity, things can go wrong when you factor in humans.
Therefore, education must be a big part of keeping 5G networks secure.
Keith Brownsword, founder and director of As.one, said: “You should train your team from the beginning to understand not only the benefits but also the risks associated with a private 5G network.” Without this, you run the risk of someone saying or doing something that disrupts your network security.