Standalone 5G is coming – and so are the security issues.
With Standalone (SA) debuting in the U.S. later this year or early next year, there will be many more 5G connection points – more portals of opportunity for cybercriminals to harvest private data.
Unfortunately, security risks have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cybercriminals see the “new normal” of COVID-19 as an opportunity to be exploited. To secure their networks and data when overall traffic is up and user traffic patterns have shifted dramatically, service providers need automated processes powered by machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to dynamically scan for threats and determine the best response.
In fact, artificial intelligence and machine learning are playing an increasing role in cybersecurity, with security tools analyzing data from millions of cyber incidents, and using it to identify potential threats — an employee account acting strangely by clicking on phishing links, for example or a new variant of malware.
Truth is, there is a constant battle between attackers and defenders. Cybercriminals have long tried to tweak their malware code so that security software no longer recognizes it as malicious.
AI and ML have already proven their effectiveness in different fields for classification, identification and automation with higher accuracy. As 5G networks’ primary selling point has been higher data rates and speed, it will be difficult to tackle wide range of threats from different points using typical/traditional protective measures.
Consequently, AI and ML can play a central role in protecting highly data-driven softwareized and virtualized network components.
Overall, cybersecurity professionals have gone on record as stating that 5G networks need a new approach to security.
Fifth-generation networks create a greatly expanded, multidimensional cyberattack vulnerability. Therefore, the redefined nature of these networks requires a similarly redefined cyber strategy.
Want to learn more? Tonex offers Tonex offers 5G Security Training, a 4-day practical course that provides participants with a strong and intuitive understanding of what security in the wireless systems is and how the security functions are implemented. The course focuses both on the air interface and the core network security principles, vulnerabilities, attack vectors and mitigation.
Additionally, Tonex offers nearly two dozen 5G Training Courses that cover everything from 5G fundamentals to more specialized areas, such as C-RAN Training, NOMA Training, LTE Advanced Pro Training and mmWaves Technology Training.
Contact us for more information, questions, comments.