5 Evolutionary Aspects Of 5G: Is It Really Secure?

Last Updated on March 25, 2021

How? 5G does not let much data out in the clear to be intercepted as it encrypts almost everything since it is more cloud and software-based. Also, 5G will be having tailored protection systems for specific devices using the “network slicing,”; which basically means more slices or layers of protection networks to secure the user’s privacy. This 5G network slicing or multi-network slicing feature and others, such as multi-level of services and multi-connectivity network capabilities, will need to be delivered through containerized and virtual environments. This working method is considered to be revolutionary for the industry since it has never been adopted before. However, it seems to be worth it; 5G offers new security controls designed specifically to face the typical threats 4G and 3G are still facing. To do so, 5G will adopt additional security mechanisms, new mutual authentication capabilities, and enhanced subscriber identity protection. Those said slices are created after the partitioning of the network done by the network or the cloud native virtualization technology. This virtualization replaces the old network functions that are mainly hardware-based by new ones software or cloud-based. A revolution that will not only be more secure but will also increase flexibility, help save more power and reduce the costs of the systems and hardware devices since it is cloud-based. However, these slices require a high level of security in order to function well and keep the 5G fully secured by the said networks. Mutual authentication or authentication confirmation is a new security mechanism introduced by 5G to provide more security when roaming. With this method, cryptographic mobile network operator identity proof is sent by the subscriber’s terminal device to the network it has dialed back to. The network and devices are able to authenticate one another by using signaling protected by integrity. With this option, in the case of the compromising of a component, it is ensured that the other components are protected and safe. This feature is referred to as the state-of-the-art encryption protection that keeps the data traffic secured. 5G is without a doubt a revolutionary evolution not only in the world of technology and industry, but in the life of each human being. Its impact on these lives does not only take place when the person is using a device 5G connected, because everything around humans will be cloud-based, protected by multiple layers of security, and transmitted at speeds never known before. Can we expect more soon in the future of wireless connections? Time will tell!