Implement Security Measures within 5G Networks

This standard outlines the competencies required to implement robust security measures within 5G networks. It focuses on safeguarding network infrastructure, data, and services from cyber threats, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and maintaining the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of 5G systems.

This standard is intended for professionals who need to implement security measures within 5G networks.

1. Conduct security assessments to identify vulnerabilities, risks, and threats across 5G network architecture, including core, radio access, and edge components.
2. Develop and implement a 5G security strategy, aligning with organisational requirements, regulatory frameworks, and threat mitigation priorities.
3. Deploy and configure security mechanisms, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDPS), and virtual private networks (VPNs), to safeguard 5G infrastructure and data.
4. Apply encryption and authentication protocols to secure communication channels and data exchanges across the 5G network.
5. Implement secure access controls, including multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access, to prevent unauthorised access to 5G systems.
6. Monitor network traffic and system activities using real-time analytics, threat detection tools, and security intelligence to detect and respond to potential breaches.
7. Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to evaluate security effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
8. Develop and maintain an incident response plan to manage and mitigate the impact of cyberattacks, breaches, or other security incidents.
9. Maintain compliance with legal, regulatory, and industry security standards, including data protection, privacy, and 5G network security.
10. Provide security training and guidance to technical teams, stakeholders, and end users to promote awareness and adherence to security best practices.

1. 5G network architecture and security considerations, including core, radio access, edge, and backhaul components, and their associated security vulnerabilities.
2. Key security challenges unique to 5G networks, such as increased attack surfaces, high device density, virtualised infrastructure, and supply chain risks.
3. Common cyber threats to 5G networks, including distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, malware, and insider threats.
4. Risk assessment methodologies for identifying, prioritising, and mitigating vulnerabilities within 5G networks.
5. Encryption standards and authentication protocols, including TLS, IPsec, 5G AKA (Authentication and Key Agreement), and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).
6. Emerging cryptographic techniques, including post-quantum encryption strategies for advanced 5G deployments.
7. Security tools and technologies for threat detection and mitigation, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDPS), and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions.
8. Access control mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access control (RBAC), and zero-trust security models.
9. Incident response planning, covering threat identification, containment, eradication, and recovery processes.
10. Best practices for disaster recovery and business continuity in 5G network environments, to provide resilience against cyberattacks and system failures.
11. Legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements for 5G security, including GDPR, and country-specific telecommunications regulations.
12. Industry standards and frameworks for securing 5G networks, including those from NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute), and ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission).
13. Innovations in 5G security, such as AI-driven threat detection, quantum-resistant cryptography, and secure network slicing.
14. The role of edge computing in 5G security, including securing distributed systems, reducing attack surfaces, and mitigating risks at the network edge.