Navigating the Future of Private 5G Network Security: OneLayer’s Market View Echoes in Gartner’s Insights
As the adoption of private 5G networks gains momentum, enterprises are beginning to delve deeper into the complexities and security challenges associated with these advanced systems. A recent report by Gartner, “Navigating the Complexities of 5G Private Network Security,” is a testament to the growing interest and need for industry guidance. The release of this report, driven by enterprise inquiries, acknowledges and aligns with OneLayer’s market view and indicates that companies are moving into a more mature phase of network utilization, where security considerations are coming to the forefront.
OneLayer underscores the importance of addressing security within private networks, a domain that is fast shifting from lab pilots and proof of concept to full-scale operations with critical security concerns. We witnessed a noticeable shift in perspective towards understanding enterprise-level security issues.
Key Insights and Reflections from OneLayer on Industry Trends
Supply Chain Visibility and Security: A prominent topic is the complexity surrounding supply chain security. Enterprises frequently question, “What is connected to my network?” Ensuring visibility into the supply chain, specifically devices and critical information related to them, such as modem, device manufacturer, model, firmware, and software versions, and potentially hidden threats such as hidden/built-in eSIMs, offers significant security value. This is particularly vital for enhancing security and operational oversight, as demonstrated by one of our customers, a large seaport, where we discovered eSIMs built into modems shipped by a foreign manufacturer, indicating a supply chain issue and highlighting a common customer concern.
Expanding Attack Surface: As private 5G networks mature, enterprises will seek to maintain the same level of security they have with their IT/OT networks by isolating and managing traffic flows, mitigating risks, and ensuring that only authorized devices access the networks and can communicate with sensitive network assets, ultimately protecting critical infrastructure from potential threats. Segmentation is likely to become a critical topic. Additionally, roaming and failover risks are areas where governance and visibility are essential. Utilities have long expressed interest in these solutions, driven by regulations that require a failover solution from private to public networks to sustain their mission-critical services.
Integration with Industrial Systems: Introducing industrial devices into cellular networks often necessitates adaptors, such as cellular routers and dongles, given most devices in the market today are not cellular-ready. For example, one of OneLayer’s customers has over fifteen hundred cellular routers on their network, representing 100% of their directly connected devices. Their industrial systems are connected to those routers, but are completely hidden from the cellular network itself, which “sees” the SIM cards of the routers. Enterprises must ensure visibility and control of hidden devices connected behind these cellular routers to ensure secure operations.
The Critical Nature of Device Authentication: According to Gartner’s insights, authenticating machines via SIM credentials rather than traditional user and password methods introduces additional complexity in identifying devices and determining their locations. Device authentication and authorization remain significant challenges, causing some enterprises to reconsider expanding their private networks. OneLayer has observed several customers considering pausing their network expansion due to insufficient control over which devices can connect, particularly those behind adaptors. This underscores the growing need for solutions that offer visibility and control over such devices.
Compliance and Framework Development: Compliance in private networks is continuously evolving. While frameworks like NIST and NERC-CIP are emerging for private networks, mandates for enterprise compliance are still in development. Customers are eager for guidance and best practices, including secure device adoption and onboarding frameworks. To address these needs, an integrated approach to device management, visibility, and security that aligns with NIST’s directives and other framework requirements for 5G/LTE cybersecurity and privacy should be considered.
In summary, addressing the complexities of supply chain visibility, expanding attack surface, industrial systems integration, and the critical need for authentication and compliance frameworks positions enterprises strategically for future success. At OneLayer, we are dedicated to working alongside industry thought leaders and customers to drive meaningful advancements in 5G network security. Together, we can cultivate a future where private networks are both secure and resilient, supporting enterprises as they navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.
Learn more: Securing Private Cellular Networks – 10 Key Threats and Defense Strategies