5G is the next generation of mobile wireless technology that will drive a new digital transformation. Thanks to its high speed and better connectivity, 5G will offer newer experiences and data insights than the previous generations. 5G will revolutionize enterprise networks, enhancing how technologies like smart cities, IoT, automated health care, autonomous vehicles, and augmented reality function.
The three words that encapsulate how 5G will impact networks and applications are speed, capacity, and connectivity. 5G's high frequency millimeter waves offer more bits per second, making it much faster than previous generations. 5G offers a download speed of up to 10Gbps, which is 100 times faster than 4G.
5G also has a much higher capacity, connecting a million devices per square kilometer with no decrease in speed or bandwidth. This is perhaps due to the smarter 5G radio chips that have about 40% more silicon in them. 5G provides ubiquitous coverage and support for a wide range of applications and is designed for ultra low latency (1ms) with 99.999% availability, both of which are essential for technologies like autonomous vehicles and virtual reality.
In short, 5G is designed to manage multiple device types and high-bandwidth applications including 4K and 8K video streaming, massive machine type communication, and ultra-reliable low latency communications. 5G also supports network slicing, which efficiently delivers different services over separate slices of the 5G network.
Why does 5G require Zero Trust?
One of the key challenges for 5G is security. 5G networks will be open to a much wider range of devices and applications than previous generations, expanding the attack surface, which means it's all the more important to secure them. 5G networks must not only be secure against outsider attacks, but also against security breaches from insiders, including employees, contractors, and suppliers.
In order to address these security concerns, 5G networks need to adopt a Zero TrustA cybersecurity policy that inherently applies least privileged access— every user or application is a potential threat. Zero Trust model reinforces authentication on the basis of user identity and context—user location, designation, security posture of user's device/third party's application.
security model. Zero Trust for 5G is an opportunity to modernize and rebuild technology platforms and the ways in which we use them. The Zero Trust security model resolves the issue of too much trust by never making any assumptions about trustworthiness. A Zero Trust architecture works by facilitating secure network access to resources that are limited only to subjects that are authorizedThe process of verifying a user's credentials in order to confirm that their individual identity correlates with the digital identity.
and approved.
How to secure 5G networks with Zero Trust
There are several ways to secure 5G networks with Zero Trust.
- Design the 5G network for security by building it on a trusted platform and by incorporating security into every layer of the network.
- Implement strong authentication
The process of verifying a user's credentials in order to confirm that their individual identity correlates with the digital identity.
and authorizationAuthorization is the act of granting client/user and access privileges to a user within an enterprise network.
mechanisms like biometricsAuthentication of a user's identity based on credentials relating to the individual's unique biological characteristics—physical and personal traits—mapped for the purpose of authorization. Some of the most prominent biometric credentials include finger prints, retina pattern, facial identity, voice et al.
and blockchainA publicly visible and decentralized ledger that stores data in a chronological order in the form of individual blocks protected by a cryptographic encryption.
to secure 5G networks.
- Harden the 5G network using a variety of security tools, including firewalls
A software barrier that stands between the internet and an organizational network, Firewall inspects incoming traffic and filter the malicious ones out before entering into the network.
, intrusion detection, and malwareThe shortened form for Malicious Software, malware is a software code whose purpose is to compromise network security and perform post-exploitation activities.
protection.
- Control access to resources by using role-based access controls to limit access to critical resources to authorized users, devices, and services.
- Monitor the 5G network for security threats using AI-powered risk detection tools with real-time alerts and threat remediation.
- Encrypt data in transit and at rest to protect it from man-in-the-middle attacks and unauthorized access.
- Use a VPN
VPN enables the creation of an isolated network between a set of computers defined by the user's requirements, ensuring end-to-end privacy during communication.
to create a secure tunnel for transmitting data in 5G networks.
Advantages of using Zero Trust for 5G networks
The advantages of implementing Zero Trust in your 5G network include:
- Increased security, as Zero Trust prevents exfiltration and lateral movement
Refers to the techniques adopted by cybercriminals to move deeper and spread within the compromised network post gaining unauthorized entry . Lateral movement is executed with the intention to identify valuable and sensitive assets for exploitation.
of attacks. Zero Trust networks are also more resistant to disruption.
- High efficiency and performance, as a Zero Trust network is less likely to be bogged down by cybersecurity
The implementation of processes, technologies and practices that strengthen the overall security of digital infrastructure from malicious attacks that mainly intended to steal, manipulate and exploit sensitive digital information for ulterior motives.
threats.
- Reduced costs, as Zero Trust helps prevent cyberattacks
A cyberattack is a digital assault attempting to gain unauthorized access to a computer, computing system or network with the intent to cause damage. These attacks can target individuals or enterprises with the goal to disable computers, expose, alter or steal data, or use a breached computer as a launch point for other attacks.
, keeping organizations from spending thousands of dollars on recuperating from an attack.
- Increased data privacy, as Zero Trust networks are less likely to be compromised by malicious actors
An individual or a group that poses threat to the data security of a network. Malicious actors conceive, initiate or coordinate a cyberattack against organization(s) or other individual(s) by exploiting the vulnerabilies of their networks, resulting in a loss/damage of critical resources and financial losses.
- Compliance with regulatory standards such as HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS, GLBA, SOX, and FISMA.
5G networks need to adopt a Zero Trust security framework in order to meet the security demands of the next generation of mobile networks and applications. 5G networks that adopt Zero Trust principles will be more secure, efficient, and privacy-friendly.
There are several ways to secure 5G networks with Zero Trust, and each organization will need to find the solution that best meets its needs.