Ensure 5G security with Zero Trust architecture

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 Trust 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 authorized 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 and authorization mechanisms like biometrics and blockchain to secure 5G networks.
• Harden the 5G network using a variety of security tools, including firewalls, intrusion detection, and malware 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 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 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 threats.
• Reduced costs, as Zero Trust helps prevent cyberattacks, 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
• 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.