Security is one of the most important factors of anything with 5G networks being far from the exception. As more and more devices are available enabling more and more functions, Americans have more online vulnerabilities than ever before. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a great example of why cybersecurity is so important, but despite these threats, industry leaders such as the CTIA are prepared to keep 5G secure with innovative solutions and sound practices.
Outlined by Tom Sawanobori, the CTIA’s Senior VP & CTO, the industry is working on a variety of ways to help mitigate security risks:
- Global collaboration to help balance the influence of companies and other participants in developing industry standards.
- Working with industry initiatives such as the FCC’s Communications Security Reliability and Interoperability Council (CSRIC) to help craft and deploy 5G security standards.
- The 5G industry is partnering with a variety of government entities to help secure supply chains to better protect software and hardware. This includes the Department of Commerce through both the Bureau of Industry and Security and NIST, the DHS, the FCC, and working on the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) Task Force.
- Keeping 4G networks secure as the country continues to transition into 5G.
- Building new network features that are exclusive to 5G for a more secure experience. This includes features such as network slicing, multi-access edge computing, software-based 5G networks, and more.
“For years, the U.S. wireless industry has been preparing 5G networks to withstand potential threats through significant investments as well as our work with global standards bodies, working groups like FCC’s CSRIC, and collaborations with (the) government. Providing a safe and secure mobile experience remains a top priority of the wireless industry, and through our efforts, 5G will be the most secure generation of wireless yet,” wrote Sawanobori.
By working with so many industry leaders and government organizations, the 5G industry can best serve not only the carriers and vendors that make these networks possible but society at large. This is because 5G is connecting us in new and exciting ways, but those connections will require monitoring. Automated cars, smart cities, supply chain management, healthcare, automated factories, and much more are all being powered by 5G. Implementing the right security measures will help propel society forward, protect sensitive data, and keep everyone safer in both the digital and physical worlds.