SecurityGen Identifies the Cybersecurity Priorities for Mobile Operators in 2023

PRESS RELEASE

ROME, Jan. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SecurityGen, the award-winning global provider of security solutions and services for the telecoms industry, today announced its cybersecurity priorities for telecom operators in 2023.

"As 5G's global footprint increases, the number of cyber threats targeting 5G increases as well," said SecurityGen co-founder and CTO Dmitry Kurbatov. "In 2023, operators must be aware of the range of these threats and take necessary steps to properly defend their networks, protect their customers, and safeguard their operations and revenue."

Kurbatov identifies the main factors shaping the risks and threats that operators must prepare for in the year ahead as follows:

      1.  5G related challenges

Unlike previous mobile network generations like 3G and LTE, 5G is designed from the ground up to be flexible and open for integration with multiple external systems. However, the same open architecture that enables this flexibility and easy integration can also make 5G vulnerable and exposed to threats and hidden vulnerabilities.

The challenge for operators is to maximise 5G's advanced functionality and interoperability while also recognizing this vulnerability and minimizing the threats arising from 5G's extra openness compared to previous network generations.

As operators deploy more 5G networks and more users purchase 5G smartphones, the volume of roaming traffic between 5G networks increases. But the majority of this extra roaming traffic goes through non-standalone 5G networks which still use unsecure legacy technology for their core networks, including signaling protocols such as GTP and Diameter, which have proven to be hackable in recent years.

Without proper security measures in place, 5G is vulnerable to threats originating from non-5G networks carried in non-5G network traffic – but which are able to damage and disrupt 5G services.

      2.  Cyberattacks from hostile states and organized crime

Telecom networks are critical national infrastructure, which makes them high-value targets for cyberattacks, especially during times of conflict and heightened geopolitical tensions. The growing use of mobile - especially 5G - for connecting and remote monitoring of everything from energy grids and automated factories to smart cities and transport systems, amplifies the damage and disruption that an attack on an operator's network could inflict. Mobile's importance also makes it a target for organized crime groups to launch financially motivated attacks of their own aimed at operators or their subscribers.

      3.  Operators as high-value targets for ransomware

The number and frequency of cyber-attacks such as ransomware and phishing show no signs of slowing down. The threat of ransomware is already well known: however in 2023, expect the bad actors behind them to become more advanced and more selective in their attacks - including targeting mobile networks as the means to breach telecom operators and access the valuable customer data they hold.

      4.  New industry regulations on security but operators must do more themselves 

National and pan-regional regulators are pushing the telecom industry to comply with new security requirements that address the heightened threat of cyberattack on digital infrastructure and telecom networks as part of it.

Mobile network security is still perceived as an after-thought. Rather than adopt a network-wide, security-by-design approach, many operators continue to rely on inefficient one-off security techniques which leave parts of their networks exposed to hackers.

      5.  Effective cybersecurity also depends on collaboration

When companies and experts share their knowledge and experience, everyone benefits. But with international cooperation undermined by current geopolitical rivalries and tensions, divisions might open between operators and other telecom industry players, industry regulators and national governments that make it more difficult to cooperate on collective joint efforts for better cybersecurity.

Cyber-security continues to suffer an ongoing shortage of skilled workers, especially in areas that require specific expertise such as telecoms. Combined with the lack of knowledge sharing, the skills shortage makes it harder to encourage and develop new talent. The telecoms industry, led by operators, needs to step up and invest in training initiatives to attract new workers and provide them with the requisite skills needed to grow the cyber-security talent pool.

Against this range of threats, Dmitry identifies the following steps for operators to strengthen the security and resilience of their 5G networks:

"Operator security teams must be mindful of the new, unique security challenges specific to 5G while at the same time not losing sight of the threats inherited by legacy technologies within 5G's set up," explained Kurbatov.

"Telecom security cannot be solved by a single-point solution, it requires a comprehensive strategic approach along with collaboration between ecosystem players. Operators and their industry partners should cooperate closely with governments and regulators to ensure cybersecurity receives the attention and investment to protect users and ensure that networks remain safe, secure and resilient," he concluded.

About SecurityGen

Founded in 2022, SecurityGen is a global company focused on telecom security. We deliver a solid security foundation to drive secure telecom digital transformations and ensure safe and robust network operations. Our extensive product and service portfolio provides complete protection against existing and advanced telecom security threats.

Visit www.secgen.com .

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SOURCE SecurityGen