Introduction
5G being the most recent major innovation in cellular data coverage is a set of technical standards that define the processes, radio frequencies, and components of a cellular network with totally a new and different technology and network architecture compared to the previous network transitions like 2G, 3G, and 4G. This network will provide 20 times faster data transmission than the previous generation was more like an upgrade. With the possibility to network up to 1,000 times more devices per square kilometer still, the energy consumption is also expected to be lower than with 4G. This network in this course of digitalization will be a successor in transforming and improving lives worldwide besides the increasing data traffic.
5G Transition and Network Function
This transition in almost every sector will speed up innovation and enhance productivity resulting in new application possibilities in professional and private environments. 5G security will meet new communication standards which require reliability, high data speed, data security, network capacity, and response time and enable real-time data communication.
The core network functions would happen through a cloud-based and software-defined network as this being a Service Based Architecture (SBA). It is expected that the 5G network will be used as general internet service providers (ISPs) for laptops and desktops, computers with existing ISPs such as cable internet.
5G network means more devices and greater traffic and simultaneously broader attack surfaces. With this transition into 5G network security being a global issue the government needs to adopt guidelines to enhance the protection of 5G end users as it would create new mobile security challenges. For the subscriber and the network interaction in a verifiable and authenticated way, several new enhanced security features are required to be implemented.
What are the ways to improve 5G security?
Some of the ways which can be followed to improve 5G security are:
1)Primary authentication –
Network and devices in 5G should be mutually authenticated to prevent widespread attacks which give cybercriminals an opportunity to the hackers to hack both the network and the network manager.
2)Secondary authentication –
5G is less secure as it bypasses Data transmission networks outside the mobile operator domain.
3)Key hierarchy –
To protects the integrity of data transmitted by the user the use of key separation in 5G limits the damage if a part of the infrastructure is compromised.
4) Privacy –
Disclosure of subscriber identifiers needs to be protected for maintaining this security as hackers’ success in manipulating Internet Protocol. With the increase in the number of devices per square kilometer area, the number of hackers will also increase.
By setting up small, low-power antennae the accessibility to hackers to obtain and utilize technology becomes easier due to the expanded bandwidth to attack the network.
5) Inter-operator security –
5G network will be provided by security proxy servers compared to signaling firewalls as there have been several Inter-operator securities identified in 2G/3G and 4G networks. To overcome these 5G networks will use the home network public key for asymmetric encryption looking at the fundamental penetrability in the architecture of the SS7 and Diameter protocols.
6) Radio network protection –
5G runs on the radio frequencies which are separated at the architecture level – in the base station (gNB), the data processing module (Central Unit, or CU), and the radio module (Distributed Unit, or DU). Being at separate levels the CU and DU interact via a secure interface preventing the attacker from breaching the operator’s network, even if successful in gaining access to the radio module. Our smartphone, Wi-Fi networks, and satellite communications are currently using this same frequency.
What are the techniques and methods for securing a 5G network?
Techniques and methods:
1) Zero Trust Framework:
We need to adopt a zero-trust framework, in this irrespective of the user’s designation mandatory verification and authorization are done and it conducts a perpetual check of security configurations for all users.
A zero-trust framework enables 5G cybersecurity to:
• It validates every stage of digital interaction.
• It gives protection and secure access to services against air interface across multiple devices.
• Authorized validation of the user access to be allowed.
• This framework helps us stay up to date with current standards.
• Conducts regular security monitoring and measuring of compliance adherence and implemented security standards against cyber vulnerabilities.
2)Implement machine learning
Implementing security software and protocols enhanced with machine learning as 5G is software-based and attacks on it are most likely to be cyberattacks. By incorporating machine learning into your protections, we can prevent these attacks, apt to new attack methods and sources.
3)Endpoint protection
Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions have agents that can be installed directly on devices, providing visibility and automated response that would otherwise be difficult to achieve. It provides the scalable, lightweight protection that is needed for IoT devices.
Regardless of where devices are located EDR cybersecurity solutions can enable you to secure devices across your network. These also enable you to push over-the-air (OTA) updates to ensure that devices are as protected as possible.
4)Harden devices
Secure protocols and protections need to be implemented to ensure that IoT devices are more secure from the start while developing hardware or software for these devices. While choosing devices to include in your network, choose those with built-in security features. It’s important to choose the devices that can possibly resolve 5G security issues.
5)Manage attack surface
Higher volumes of data and the expected increase in device adoption facilitated by 5G networks create a significantly larger attack surface with more entry points and attack consequences may be considerably larger. This stands true for direct denial of service (DDoS) and other botnet attacks.
Conclusion
As, we know IoT (Internet of Things) are easily hackable in nature, and the software-based nature of 5G, the combination of the two technologies poses a major security risk. Although, these technologies help with smart city connectivity, including connected vehicles and connected healthcare systems and devices. Still, we need to analyze security perimeter on a continual basis, by keeping our systems updated leveraging machine learning for improved usage analytics, implementing endpoint protection, hardening devices, and managing attack surfaces. To ensure network security close control is required.
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