Enterprises in multiple sectors are deploying private 5G to support automation and new operating models. Manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and energy organisations can come to rely on dedicated wireless networks to the extent that their significance is regarded as a ‘given’. Yet such systems connect important systems, enable real-time control, and support data-intensive applications. As private 5g and connectivity/integration projects evolve, operational leaders face several parallel challenges, but have to proceed with work without introducing new risk vectors.
A new report from the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), titled Enterprise Security for private 5G Networks sets out a unified security framework designed to help organisations deploy private 5G securely using established wired and wireless infrastructure. Its focus is to protect operational continuity, and the company’s intellectual property and networks.
Private 5G can offer notable operational benefits for many organisations. The presence of a dedicated spectrum, overall predictability, and direct device authentication mean a range of uses is possible, from autonomous vehicles on the factory floor to connected medical equipment. Real-time asset tracking is perhaps one of the more common use-cases, regardless of sector. Regardless, expanded connectivity increases the potential attack surface as more devices and applications connect and need to be overseen and managed.
The WBA report responds to the reality faced by operational decision-makers by defining a zero trust model built on open standards. It aims to teach organisations that in addition to being a standalone network, private 5G should align with existing enterprise IT and wi-fi security architectures to maintain governance and contain risk.
The report’s central principle is one of a unified security architecture. Private 5G and wi-fi 6/6E/7 are positioned in the paper as technologies supporting different operational requirements but that often exist inside the same enterprise. The application of a a single zero trust framework can deliver consistency in requirements of identity management, and access control, and when working in concord, help lower threat levels and speed up cybersecurity incident responses.
The report cites pxGrid integration as a method that lets information be exchanged bidirectionally between private 5G networks, wi-fi, and connected enterprise IT/OT assets. It positions pxGrid as one way to share data on identity, cybersecurity policy, and threat intelligence in real-time. The exchange of data can help faster incident response and promote better visibility onto the network; particularly valuable in high device density or safety-conscious environments.
Zero trust implementation is addressed in relatively practical terms. At the core level, the suggested framework allows a continuous verification of users and devices, micro-segmentation of network resources, and cybersecurity policy enforcement. Zero trust limits lateral movement of infection across the network and can reduce the impact of any breach. Zero-trust frameworks mean uptime objectives are met and a reduction in the chance of a compromised device.
The report also mentions the importance intelligence and analytics in local edge environments. The combination of Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) and AI-driven monitoring can aid real-time anomaly detection and aid local decision-making, particularly relevant for latency-sensitive operations where centralised security controls may be too slow. Automated responses made at the edge can isolate threats quickly, helping maintain service continuity during further investigation.
Interoperability is a constant theme, and the paper cites open standards (REST APIs, WebSockets, and pxGrid) as enablers for multi-vendor compatibility and unified management. When overseeing large estates with multiple suppliers, vendor lock-in means a need for multiple tooling and can therefore limit scalability.
The WBA stresses a need for security concerns being addressed at the outset of any private 5G project. Embedding security controls into network design reduces further friction down the line, and compares favourably as a tactic when compared to retrofitting protections. For operational leaders accountable for safety and the smooth running of facilities, this approach aligns any security investment with core business objectives rather than an item on the IT/OT manager’s list of responsibilities.
The report represents the first phase of further WBA publications. Its phase two publications will focus on operational security intelligence, to include centralised monitoring, SIEM integration, AI -based anomaly detection, and coordination with SOCs.
The significance of this first tranche of consultation paper from the WBA is in the operational framing of security. It provides a blueprint to integrate private 5G into existing environments while maintaining user control. The ability to manage connectivity as a unified, secure operational platform will, the WBA states, shape the business’s overall performance and risk exposure.
(Image source: “A building and dark cloudy sky behind a handrail. 5G tower on the roof” by Ivan Radic is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)
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