Category: 5G

Because wide area network (WAN) connectivity has been predominantly wired broadband, cellular connectivity has often been relegated to a failover connection option. Now, organizations recognize 5G for its agility in supporting networks because it takes reliable connectivity past fixed sites and expands it to vehicle fleets, IoT devices and remote workers in places where wired broadband wouldn’t work or can’t be obtained. According to Cradlepoint’s 2024 Global State of Connectivity Report, executives believe 5G will be a key enabler for IoT, supply chain optimizations, AI/ML, and even sustainability initiatives. 

However, the broader definition of WAN brings up some very important concerns. With more and more devices on the edge of the network, how does an enterprise protect this larger attack surface they are laying in front of bad actors?  Enter Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), a cybersecurity model that is finally becoming mainstream. SASE, a cloud-based architecture, is designed to secure today’s corporate networks as they demand simplicity, flexibility, low latency, and security at the WAN edge. This network security model proves to be more critical in protecting enterprises with expanded attack surfaces and distributed workforces. This includes workforces that have remote and mobile users with BYODs, as well as third-party contractors with unmanaged devices who need network access.

The key to truly untethering your WAN lies in bringing these two technologies – 5G and SASE – together to create a complete reimagination of your WAN architecture. 

Understanding the differences between 5G and wired broadband

The flexibility 5G WAN provides is enticing but, before leveraging this technology, businesses must understand how it is different from wired broadband and why combining it with SASE for an agile, secure network makes sense. 

First, 5G allows a mobile component for your network. This creates mobile WAN connectivity for every organization from small businesses with delivery trucks to a public safety organization with a fleet of emergency vehicles. 5G also means a variability in bandwidth. If you leverage a wired network, a 1 gigabyte link remains a 1 gigabyte link. However, 5G bandwidth fluctuates depending on signal strength and signal quality from the connected cell tower. 

Metered links can also be an important consideration. While it’s true in certain countries, unlimited data plans are starting to emerge, most organizations still need to track data plan usage across WAN connections.  

Then there are quality of service QoS) considerations. An IP network uses Differentiate Services Code Points (DSCP), which is a 6-bit field in the IP header that enables the identification of up to 64 distinct traffic classes to help define and create a class schema. Networking devices, such as routers and switches use the DSCP code to assign a numerical value to determine the handling and queue placement of each packet. Similarly, 5G networks have a 5QoS Identifier (5QI) value, which is a pointer to a set of QoS characteristics such as priority level, packet delay or packet error rate to support QoS across a connection to enable class of service differentiation. 

The possibilities become even more intriguing as carriers complete their roll-outs of 5G standalone (SA) networks, where enterprises can take advantage of true differentiated services through network slicing. Carriers will be able to provide “slices” of their 5G spectrum networks to offer specialized technical requirements such as low latency and higher bandwidth. Organizations will be able to subscribe to those services (or slices) based on specific application or organizational needs.

Lastly, when your WAN connectivity is delivered through cellular, there are no physical links to help you understand all the connections and dependencies in your network. This can make troubleshooting more complicated if the proper visibility tools are not in place.

Combining 5G and SASE

These considerations require a custom SASE architecture that can secure your network as you look to 5G to deliver a more agile WAN. However, you’ll want a SASE solution and approach that doesn’t limit what 5G can offer. Your 5G network and SASE solution should complement each other. 

For example, traffic steering is an important component of an agile WAN solution. It helps you prioritize certain data and makes sure there are no interruptions as data travels. When you’re leveraging 5G WAN traffic steering, the focus shouldn’t only be on latency, loss, or jitter — the solution should also steer traffic based on cellular attributes such as available bandwidth and data plan usage. 

Considering bandwidth and data plan usage as you measure WAN performance is also important. Inserting synthetic traffic into your network, thereby using more bandwidth and data, could be costly and inefficient. Instead, a smart SASE approach will measure WAN performance metrics using inline traffic. 

Efficiently securing your 5G WAN

In addition to network optimization, there’s also the “Secure” part of SASE. A SASE approach that complements 5G WAN, will not only secure your network but do it efficiently. There are times when implementing network security features will take up bandwidth and hamper network performance.

For example, IPsec tunneling is often used to secure data as it moves through your network. In certain instances, network security or IT personnel will leverage a solution that encrypts the tunnel to secure traffic from an application that is already encrypted. This “double encryption” negatively impacts bandwidth and can slow down the very application someone on the network is trying to use. Alternatively, micro tunneling, as a part of your 5G and SASE architecture, creates a network security approach that protects data in transport without hampering performance and bandwidth utilization. 

While micro tunneling helps secure data transport, SIM authentication will play a starring role in securing endpoints in 5G WAN. For IoT devices, laptops, and mobile devices, SIM authentication provides a secure but simple way to provide an identity source that can be used to create a security policy for.  This would allow for a clientless security solution across both unmanaged and managed devices.

SIM authentication will also be important as your organization’s devices move from public to private 5G networks. No matter where those devices connect, the SIM card helps maintain the security policy on each device. For example, if a certain device is not authorized to upload files to your network, then that device won’t be able to upload files regardless of which 5G network provides the connection.

Finally, the combination of 5G and SASE requires a comprehensive network management solution. Since visibility and analysis of a cellular network can be difficult, it will help if you can leverage a network management solution that brings in valuable cellular health metrics to make remediation less complex. 

5G and SASE: Preparation for the future

For any business or organization, it’s always important to combine the latest technology with the best security features. 5G WAN is no different. 5G and SASE help you take your network to new places, while making sure your network is always safe. It’s like having a bodyguard for your mobile devices and data even as they move past the confines of an office space or headquarters. 

And let’s not forget about the 5G network capabilities to come. As 5G standalone networks give way to more mainstream network slicing, a comprehensive network approach that combines 5G and SASE approach will provide efficiency and security for the networks of today — while setting the foundation for networks of the future.  

 

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The advent of 5G technology heralds a new era of connectivity, promising lightning-fast speeds, ultra-low latency, and vast network capacity. While 5G brings unprecedented opportunities for innovation and advancement, it also presents a host of security challenges that must be addressed to ensure a secure digital future. Here are the top five security concerns surrounding 5G technology:

1. Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure: With 5G set to underpin critical infrastructure such as power grids, transportation systems, and healthcare facilities, the potential impact of cyberattacks becomes increasingly severe. Threat actors may exploit vulnerabilities in 5G networks to launch attacks targeting vital infrastructure, causing wide-spread disruption and potential harm to public safety.

2. Increased Attack Surface: The proliferation of connected devices in the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, enabled by 5G’s massive device density capabilities, expands the attack surface exponentially. Each connected device represents a potential entry point for cyber threats, ranging from DDoS attacks to data breaches. Securing this vast and diverse array of endpoints presents a considerable challenge for cybersecurity professionals.

3. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: The global nature of 5G infrastructure deployment introduces supply chain complexities that pose significant security risks. From hardware components to software protocols, every layer of the 5G ecosystem is susceptible to compromise. Supply chain attacks, such as the insertion of malicious components or backdoors during manufacturing or distribution, threaten the integrity and security of 5G networks.

4. Privacy Concerns and Data Protection: The proliferation of high-speed, low-latency connectivity provided by 5G enables the seamless collection and transmission of vast amounts of personal data. Privacy concerns arise regarding the unauthorized access, misuse, or exploitation of sensitive user information by both malicious actors and legitimate service providers. As 5G facilitates the proliferation of IoT devices in various domains, ensuring robust data protection mechanisms becomes paramount to safeguarding user privacy.

5. Emerging Threats from Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies into 5G net-works introduces a new dimension of security challenges. While AI and ML offer opportunities for enhancing network security through anomaly detection and predictive analytics, they also present vulnerabilities that adversaries can exploit. Adversarial AI attacks, data poisoning, and model inversion attacks are among the emerging threats that organizations must contend with as they embrace AI-driven security solutions in the 5G era.

Addressing these security concerns requires a collaborative and proactive approach from stake-holders across industry, government, and academia. Robust cybersecurity measures, threat intelligence sharing, regulatory frameworks, and investments in research and development are essential components of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the risks associated with 5G technology. By prioritizing security and resilience in the design, deployment, and operation of 5G networks, we can unlock the full potential of this transformative technology while safe-guarding against emerging cyber threats.

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5G technology presents several features and advancements that contribute to creating a more secure and resilient network infrastructure.

Here are key aspects highlighting how 5G offers a secure network:

1. Encryption and Authentication: Enhanced Encryption Standards: 5G networks employ advanced encryption standards, making it more challenging for unauthorized parties to intercept or manipulate data during transmission. Improved Authentication Protocols: Stronger authentication mechanisms are implemented, ensuring that only legitimate devices and users can access the network, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

2. Network Slicing: Isolation of Services: 5G introduces network slicing, enabling the creation of isolated segments within the network for specific applications or services. This isolation prevents security breaches in one segment from affecting others.

3. Low Latency and High Reliability: Faster Response Times: The low latency of 5G enhances real-time communication, reducing the window of vulnerability for potential security threats. High Reliability: 5G networks are designed to be more reliable, reducing the likelihood of disruptions and making it more difficult for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities.

4. Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC): Secure Connectivity for IoT Devices: 5G supports a massive number of simultaneous connections, allowing for the secure integration of a vast array of IoT devices. Security mechanisms are embedded to protect these diverse connections from potential threats.

5. Virtualization and Cloud-Native Architecture: Dynamic Network Configuration: 5G networks leverage virtualization and cloud-native architecture, allowing for dynamic and adaptable network configurations. This flexibility enables rapid responses to security incidents and facilitates the implementation of security updates.

6. Improved Authentication and Authorization: Device Identity Management: 5G enhances device identity management, ensuring that only authorized and properly authenticated devices can connect to the network. This helps prevent unauthorized access and potential security breaches.

7. Security by Design: Built-In Security Features: 5G networks are designed with security in mind from the outset. This approach involves implementing security features at every layer of the network architecture, reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing overall network resilience.

8. Machine Learning and AI-Based Security: Anomaly Detection: The incorporation of machine learning and artificial intelligence allows for the detection of unusual patterns or behaviors, aiding in the identification of potential security threats in real-time.

9. Improved Infrastructure for Security Services: Security Service Providers: 5G networks enable the deployment of specialized security services that can actively monitor, analyze, and respond to security incidents, enhancing overall network protection.

In summary, 5G technology introduces a comprehensive set of features and improvements that collectively contribute to creating a secure and robust network infrastructure, essential for sup-porting the diverse and dynamic requirements of modern communication systems.

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Amid the growing interest from both companies and governments in transitioning to the cutting-edge fifth generation of wireless networks, commonly known as 5G, security experts are sounding the alarm about the challenges that come with securing this dynamic and complex network architecture compared to its predecessors.

This article will delve into the top five cyber risks associated with the implementation of 5G network infrastructure.

1. Security Threats in the Internet of Things (IoT)- 5G architecture boasts the capability to seamlessly connect a multitude of devices, making it ideal for the efficient operation of IoT devices due to its low latency and massive bandwidth. However, this interconnectedness can also be exploited by cyber-criminals, who see an increased opportunity for launching cyberattacks on these devices. Furthermore, as businesses and individuals rush to develop IoT devices, security considerations are often overlooked, leaving these devices vulnerable to potential cyber threats.

2. Information Privacy Concerns- With 5G networks facilitating the connection of numerous devices, data is frequently transmitted to and from the cloud, creating an attractive target for hackers. The vast amount of data collected by these devices increases the risk of data breaches, potentially exposing sensitive information such as financial records, personal data, and intellectual property through network vulnerabilities.

3. Network Security Threats- In contrast to previous technologies like 2G, 3G, and 4G, the latest 5G network’s architecture is intricate and predominantly software-driven. This complexity provides cybercriminals with opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities within the network, potentially launching Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks that could lead to data breaches.

4. The Novelty of 5G Technology- As a relatively new technology, 5G has been in a beta phase since 2019, leaving room for uncertainties regarding software vulnerabilities and connectivity issues that may emerge over time.

5. Limited Technical Expertise and Support- Currently, the full implications of implementing 5G technology on a large scale remain unknown. The existing principles, policies, and best practices are still in the early stages of development. This lack of comprehensive knowledge resembles navigating a highway blindfolded. Additionally, the shortage of experts proficient in this emerging technology may exacerbate potential challenges, making it essential to address talent gaps promptly.

In conclusion, while the promise of 5G technology is enticing, it is crucial to acknowledge and proactively address the associated cybersecurity risks. A comprehensive and well-thought-out approach to security is imperative to ensure the safe and effective adoption of 5G networks.

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In the digital age, where connectivity and data exchange play a crucial role, cybersecurity has become a paramount concern. The advent of 5G technology brings not only faster speeds and low latency but also significant advancements in enhancing cybersecurity. This article explores the ways in which 5G helps accelerate cybersecurity, safeguarding the increasingly connected world we live in.

Enhanced Network Performance and Reliability: One of the key benefits of 5G technology is its ability to provide faster and more reliable network connections. This improved connectivity ensures that critical security measures, such as real-time threat detection and response, can be executed with minimal delays. The low latency of 5G enables security systems to quickly analyze vast amounts of data and react swiftly to potential threats, reducing the risk of breaches or attacks.

Increased Bandwidth and Capacity: With its higher bandwidth and capacity, 5G enables the seamless transfer of massive amounts of data, making it easier for organizations to implement advanced cybersecurity measures. As data volumes continue to grow exponentially, 5G technology provides the necessary infrastructure to support robust security protocols, including encryption, data analytics, and machine learning algorithms. This enables the identification and mitigation of cyber threats more effectively and efficiently.

Edge Computing and Distributed Security: 5G’s integration with edge computing architecture brings security closer to the source of data generation, reducing the risk of data breaches during transmission. By processing and analyzing data at the network edge, 5G empowers organizations to implement distributed security measures, reducing the dependency on centralized systems and minimizing potential vulnerabilities. This approach enables faster response times and improves the overall resilience of cybersecurity systems.

IoT Security: The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has significantly expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals. 5G technology provides enhanced security features specifically designed for IoT networks, addressing vulnerabilities, and ensuring secure communication between connected devices. The network slicing capability of 5G enables the creation of isolated virtual networks, segregating different IoT devices and preventing unauthorized access or lateral movement within the network.

Advanced Authentication and Encryption: 5G introduces advancements in authentication protocols, such as stronger biometric authentication and multi-factor authentication methods. These robust authentication mechanisms provide an additional layer of security, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data and systems. Moreover, 5G networks support enhanced encryption standards, safeguarding data in transit and mitigating the risk of eavesdropping or interception.

Conclusion:

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. 5G technology brings a host of advantages that not only enhance network performance but also play a crucial role in accelerating cybersecurity measures. The combination of faster speeds, lower latency, increased bandwidth, and edge computing capabilities allows organizations to implement more robust security protocols, protecting critical data and systems. By leveraging the advancements offered by 5G, we can navigate the digital landscape with greater confidence, ensuring a safer and more secure future.

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It is not accurate to say that 5G networks are completely immune to cyber attacks. Like any other network, 5G networks are vulnerable to various types of cyber attacks, such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, phishing attacks, and malware infections.

However, 5G networks do offer some unique security features that can help mitigate the risks of cyber attacks. For example, 5G networks use advanced encryption technologies to protect the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted over the network. 5G networks also use soft-ware-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) technologies to create a more flexible and dynamic network architecture, which can help identify and respond to security threats more quickly.

In addition, 5G networks employ a concept known as network slicing, which allows network operators to create multiple virtual networks on a single physical network infrastructure. This can help improve security by isolating different types of traffic and applications, and providing more granular control over network access and usage.

Furthermore, 5G networks are designed with security in mind from the outset, incorporating security features into the network architecture and protocols. This can help reduce the risk of vulnerabilities and exploits being discovered and exploited by cyber attackers.

While 5G networks are not immune to cyber attacks, the security features and design principles of 5G networks can help reduce the risk of cyber attacks and improve the overall security and resilience of the network. It is important for network operators and users to continue to be vigi-lant and proactive in protecting against cyber threats, and to stay up-to-date on the latest securi-ty technologies and best practices.

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