Similar to other apps, mobile networks are quickly shifting toward software-based architecture. By getting the physical infrastructure out of the picture, companies are able to save a lot of money on server implementation and maintenance. Furthermore, the new cloud-based technology gives unparalleled flexibility to providers and users alike.
Cloud-based solutions ensure that companies enjoy the same level of protection as other microservice-oriented environments. Among other things, with Titan.ium's advanced solutions, you're able to create a customized network security according to your particular needs.
Unfortunately, as new technologies emerge, familiar threats persist—often evolving in complexity and scale. Whether you're using a standalone or non-standalone architecture, you must take a proactive stance on your network security. The good news is that, whether you're using 4G legacy infrastructure or new 5G, Titan.ium can help you out.
Security Architecture of 5G Networks
The security solutions used for 5G are, in many ways, different from those used in 4G LTE. Virtualization and network slicing have become crucial for the underlying security architecture, backed by numerous components. For example, Titan.ium offers its clients the Network Slice Selection API for Access and Mobility Function, PDU Session Establishment, and UE Configuration Update.
Mobile Protocol-Level Security
If you wish to learn how 5G security works, you should first get a grasp of 3GPP. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project is a term we use for numerous organizations that create mobile networking standards. Among others, they monitor how and which security protocols providers use.
It is worth noting that modern 5G networks build upon the best aspects of the old 4G LTE security, while also introducing new technologies. Titan.ium has worked diligently to improve old infrastructure with authentication and encryption innovations. Some of the main improvements we've seen in 3GPP 5G security include:
- Improved subscriber privacy
- New framework for authentication
- User plane integrity protection
- Modern service-based architecture
- Advanced interconnect security
With solutions such as Titan.ium, you're able to get the most out of your 5G network. The advanced privacy solutions ensure all your data is safeguarded against external threats.
Cloud and Infrastructure Security
5G protocols are introduced on a broader cloud infrastructure scale. So, if you ever decide to make changes to your mobile protocol security, it won't make any impact on cloud network functions. To protect your 5G from outside threats, you must rely on the following functions and components:
- Interconnecting
- Mobile edge computing
- Network function virtualization
- Distributed clouds
- Appliance-based functions
- Network slicing
- Software-designed networking
Network slicing, in particular, is crucial for 5G's security and functionality. It allows us to split the physical network into smaller slices, each suitable for a particular use case. These slices are independent and self-contained, which makes all the difference when there's a breach.
Instead of having to address the problem on a wider level, we're able to contain the threat on the slice. Each slice has its purpose, while featuring different requirements for latency, speed, and reliability.
Although slicing sounds like a perfect solution for your network security, it does come with particular flaws. As you create more and more slices, you also increase the number of potential entry points. Among other things, these components are especially vulnerable to DoS attacks if you don't implement the right anomaly protection features.
Features of 5G Security
If you opt for Titan.ium's security solution, you can expect the following benefits:
Encryption
Unlike past mobile generations, modern 5G encryption is backed by 256-bit cryptographic algorithms, ensuring much higher security than what previous networks used. 5G supports both hop-by-hop and end-to-end encryption, depending on the service and transport layer. Titan.ium ensures encryption is enforced at the most critical junctions to prevent interception or spoofing.
Titan.ium ensures that users can deliver data safety from one location to another, without it ever being manipulated by third-party factors. The encryption solution secures users from fake base station attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks, and other potential threats. Our product conceals subscriber identity, making it difficult to track calls.
Privacy
Aside from better encryption, 5G networks utilize enhanced data privacy protocols. All the data within a network has improved integrity and confidentiality protection, allowing it to tackle all sorts of attacks. For example, the newer solutions are able to address international and temporary mobile subscriber identity catchers, a major issue for past generations of mobile networks.
5G security doesn't send true identity data. Instead, it utilizes a privacy-preserving identifier with Subscriber Concealed Identity (otherwise referred to as SUPI). With this technology, the location and identity of a device are safeguarded against external agents.
Another addition is the fact that 5G privacy protection monitors both the integrity and the user plane between the radio access network and the device. This ensures that a message between an app and a device won't be modified or intercepted in any way.
Roaming Security
Our SEPP solution is vital for roaming security. The proxy is placed on each operator's network perimeter, making sure that the roaming signaling traffic has appropriate integrity, end-to-end confidentiality, and replay protection (check out our Signaling Firewall product).
SEPP supports the service-based architecture traffic through filtering and authorization. It tracks sessions and devices coming and going from the network. Each Security Edge Protection Proxy communicates with each other by relying on the N32 interface. As such, it is able to streamline communication between NFs.
Reliability
Reliability is one of the most praised features of 5G networks. Unlike 4G LTE, modern mobile networks ensure very low latency while maintaining reliability in most situations. Our products utilize various mechanisms to make sure everything runs smoothly, from redundant infrastructure to robust testing and advanced network functions.
Authorization and Authentication
Similar to just about everything else, 5G networks implement a different, advanced technology for authentication and authorization. Specifically, these networks rely on Authentication and Key Agreement Management for Applications, also referred to as AKMA. With it, the network is able to corroborate the identity of devices, users, and various other elements.
Titan.ium aligns with 3GPP authentication flows where the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) forwards authentication requests to the Authentication Server Function (AUSF), which then queries Unified Data Management (UDM) to retrieve subscriber credentials and determine the appropriate authentication method.
Common Risks and Challenges Associated with 5G
Cybersecurity attacks have become much more vicious in the last few years. Although the 5G mobile network gives us access to better, more advanced security, it also introduces a handful of new security risks.
Complex Management
Handling the security of your core network is never an easy task. An IT expert should configure all these security features so they're best suited for the company's needs. They must also stay on top of subscriber identity, so that unauthorized personnel can't access the sensitive data.
The good news is that SEPP can assist with many of these problems. The protection proxy streamlines the entire management process, making it easier for admins to modify and configure the network security. SEPP standardizes the daily procedures, enhancing interoperability between networks and eliminating arduous tasks.
Side-Channel Attacks
Although hackers can't manipulate the protocols, there are other ways to compromise a 5G network. Side-channel attacks, in particular, have emerged as one of the biggest threats to the system. These breaches are conducted by directly targeting the underlying security architecture.
Back in the day, these attacks were hard to execute. However, with access to more sophisticated technology, hackers can now analyze the infrastructure and target its weak points. All you need to do is make a configuration issue, and you'll let the wrong person in. Luckily, as we've just mentioned, SEPP simplifies the entire configuration process, reducing the chance of errors.
Internetwork Attacks
Among other things, hackers can intercept data as it's being transferred from one network to another. They might eavesdrop or modify it during transit, which most users won't notice until a later date.
It also doesn't help the fact that modern 5G networks are mainly cloud-based. Although the concept makes lives easier for both providers and companies, it creates numerous vulnerabilities that can be exploited. With such a large surface to cover, most IT experts find it hard to cover all the entry points.
Titan.ium can at least partially alleviate the issue. It serves as a network edge proxy, ensuring safe communication between PLMNs. Mutual authentication also does wonders as it prevents potential data manipulation. With its high integrity protection, Titan.ium's products will make your network that much safer.
Lack of Security Controls
Your 5G network should have the same controls as a Wi-Fi network. Whether we're talking about private or public networks, they must have the same level of security protection.
The Titan.ium team recommends that you integrate your security controls into devices and the radio access network. You should also perform regular security tests to find potential vulnerabilities. Periodic assessment is a must, as it helps you determine whether your 5G security architecture is still working as intended.
Risk of Connected Devices
An amazing thing about 5G is that it allows us to use IoT devices. While modern cell towers don't have the same area coverage as 3G or 4G towers, they allow thousands of devices to connect to the network. Unfortunately, with so many smartphones and other gadgets connected to a network, the risk of breaches increases exponentially.
The best way to address the issue is by introducing advanced encryption, something SEPP can help with. Security Edge Protection Proxy introduces improved privacy features that will safeguard your data and user anonymity. SEPP works as a reverse proxy, using a single entry point for all network functions.
Protecting Your Network With Titan.ium
Our company has designed a wide variety of solutions that will make your network significantly safer. Whether we're talking about signaling firewall, SS7 signaling firewall, diameter signaling firewall, or security edge protection proxy, we have the right solution for a wide variety of external threats.
For example, you can use our STIR/SHAKEN Call ID to prevent fraudulent calls. Alternatively, you can use our SEPP to ensure safe communication between different 5G networks, thus securing the integrity and confidentiality of roaming messages.
Whether this is your first time using 5G for your business or you've used private networks in the past, our team is here to help. You can either use our individual products in conjunction with your existing infrastructure or you can opt for a robust Titan.ium platform.
Connect with our security experts to explore how Titan.ium can help secure your mobile network infrastructure—today and into the 5G future.