Most companies expected to manage the planning, deployment, and operations of their private 5G network core, IoT endpoints, and data networks. However, planning, deployment, and operation of radio access networks (RAN) and multiaccess edge computing (MEC) relied on service providers and suppliers.
This shared responsibility model requires a collaborative approach to security, with enterprises securing on-premises elements and service providers connecting the RAN and enterprise edge. Enterprises were planning to allocate 5-10% of their IT budgets to 5G private network security.
Enterprises preferred security-focused vendors when purchasing security solutions for their private 5G networks. However, only some companies are familiar with 5G security supplier solutions, suggesting potential gaps in awareness and knowledge.
Future challenges and solutions
Deploying a private 5G network poses several challenges that organizations need to address. Let’s take a closer look at some of these challenges and potential solutions.
Many organizations already have established security platforms to protect their networks. Seamlessly integrating private 5G networks with this platform can be difficult, especially as 5G introduces new architectural elements and protocols.
To overcome this challenge, organizations should invest in security solutions that easily integrate with their existing platforms.
3GPP standards for private 5G networks are still evolving, and there may be gaps in security protocols and best practices. This lack of standardized guidelines can lead to inconsistencies in security implementation among different private 5G networks.
Organizations should actively participate in industry standardization efforts to develop security guidelines for private 5G networks. In the meantime, you can work with security vendors and experts to develop best practices tailored to your specific network requirements.
Private 5G networks often require shared responsibility between the network operator and the company deploying the network. Determining the exact responsibilities of each party and ensuring a consistent and robust cybersecurity posture can be complex.
It is essential to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders involved in private 5G networks. Organizations should establish service level agreements (SLAs) that outline cybersecurity requirements, incident response procedures, and accountability measures for both the network operator and the enterprise.
Private 5G networks will be important for mission-critical applications and handle sensitive data, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. Threat actors may exploit vulnerabilities in 5G infrastructure or use advanced attack techniques to gain unauthorized access.
Organizations should adopt a multi-layered security approach to reduce cybersecurity risks. This includes the use of next-generation firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, encryption, and regular security audits to quickly identify and remediate vulnerabilities. Continuous monitoring and threat intelligence also helps detect and respond to potential threats in real-time.
Private 5G networks offer tremendous opportunities for businesses, but security challenges must be carefully considered. By integrating new security measures, actively participating in standardization efforts, clarifying responsibilities, and adopting a layered security approach, organizations can leverage the potential of private 5G networks while protecting their operations and sensitive data. can be protected. Investing in specialized cybersecurity vendors and service providers will also ensure a robust security posture in this dynamic and evolving environment.
To read the full report by Omdia, Trend Micro, and CTOne, please visit: https://resources.trendmicro.com/IoT_Beyond-Secure-Omdia-Report.html
