U.S. cybersecurity and intelligence agencies, CISA and NSA, have released a set of recommendations to address security concerns related to 5G standalone network slicing and bolster their defenses against potential threats.
The agencies highlight that the threat landscape in 5G is constantly evolving, necessitating advanced monitoring, auditing, and analytical capabilities to meet network slicing service level requirements over time.
Network slicing is an architectural model used in 5G technology that enables mobile service providers to divide their network into independent “slices” to cater to different clients and use cases. However, the agencies warn that this approach could expose users to a range of threat vectors, including denial-of-service attacks, jamming, identity theft, and adversary-in-the-middle attacks.
Such vulnerabilities could compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of network services. The latest advisory builds upon guidance issued in December 2022, focusing on the potential cybersecurity risks posed by 5G network slicing. In this context, denial-of-service attacks on the signaling plane, misconfiguration attacks, and adversary-in-the-middle attacks are identified as the most prominent threat vectors.
The agencies recommend the implementation of a zero trust architecture (ZTA) and authentication, authorization, and audit (AAA) techniques as key measures to secure 5G network slicing deployments. Following industry-recognized best practices for designing, deploying, and maintaining 5G network slicing is also emphasized to mitigate risks affecting Quality of Service (QoS) and service level agreements (SLAs).
In conclusion, the U.S. cybersecurity and intelligence agencies’ recommendations seek to fortify 5G standalone network slicing against potential security threats. By implementing advanced monitoring, ZTA, and AAA techniques, mobile service providers can safeguard their networks from denial-of-service, misconfiguration, and adversary-in-the-middle attacks.
Staying vigilant and adhering to industry best practices are crucial in ensuring the security and integrity of 5G networks, allowing for safer and more reliable services for users and businesses.
