IT Security for 5G Mobile Networks

The 5th generation standard for mobile networks is aiming at higher data rates, the usage of higher frequency ranges, higher frequency capacity, real time transmission, and latencies below one millisecond.

There are three different fields of applications:

• 5G for ultra fast mobile broadband (eMBB: Enhanced Mobile Broadband)
• communication between machines and broadband (mMTC: Massive Machine Type Communication)
• highly available network with low latencies (uRLLC: Ultra reliable low latency communications)

All these fields of application imply different challenges and technical constraints. IT security is playing an increasingly important role in each of the fields. However, the three fundamental values of IT security (availability, confidentiality, integrity) must be weighted individually.

The Bundesnetzagentur has already assigned more than 100 licenses for 5G campus networks. Currently many networks are being built by research organizations as well as industrial companies.

IT-Security is currently not in focus when planning 5G campus networks. However, IT security aspects must be taken into account at an early stage when choosing technology partners and integrators as well as network operating models. In the context of a The Bundesnetzagentur has already assigned more than 100 licenses for 5G campus networks. Currently many networks are being built by research organizations as well as industrial companies.

IT-Security is currently not in focus when planning 5G campus networks. However, IT security aspects must be taken into account at an early stage when choosing technology partners and integrators as well as network operating models. In the context of a TeleTrusT project, secuvera is currently working on a handout for IT security in procurement and operation of 5G campus networks. The publication of the paper is expected in the 4th quarter of 2022.

TeleTrusT project, secuvera is currently working on a handout for IT security in procurement and operation of 5G campus networks. The publication of the paper is expected in the 4th quarter of 2022.

With the publication of the „Network Equipment Security Assurance Scheme“ (NESAS), the GSMA (GSM Association) established a methodology for the verification of basic IT security in mobile network equipment.

This creates a foundation which assures an advanced IT security level over different industries. The network equipment manufacturers can use NESAS in order to prove compliance with future security requirements.

The NESAS scheme has already been adapted and is in use by regulatory authorities. The BSI for example has started providing a new national product certification process for 5G mobile network equipment based on NESAS (referred to as NESAS CCS-GI). With this process, BSI enables manufacturers to comply to regulatory requirements in a timely manner. The BSI continuously provides information on 5G on a separate website.

secuvera is currently building its own NESAS test lab and is planning to completely fulfill the necessary technical and regulatory requirements by the end of 2022. The implementation of the lab is done in close cooperation with our technology partner Radix Security.

Yet today we support you in the assessment and the development of IT security properties for 5G campus networks and mobile network equipment.

Our goal is to help you meet your requirements in respect to IT security for 5G and obtain the necessary compliance certificates in an early stage.

We are looking forward to your contact. Please use our contact form. If you have further questions, please call us at: (+49)7032-9758-0.