5G Cyber Security

5G Cyber Security encompasses the strategies, technologies, and policies designed to protect the entire fifth-generation wireless ecosystem, from the core network and radio access network (RAN) to end-user devices and applications. It addresses the unique vulnerabilities introduced by 5G's architecture, which heavily utilizes virtualization, software-defined networking (SDN), and network slicing, creating a more complex and dynamic attack surface than previous cellular generations. Key focus areas include securing the virtualized network functions, protecting the massive scale of connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices, ensuring strong authentication and encryption, and maintaining the integrity and isolation of individual network slices to prevent threats from propagating across the infrastructure.

1. Introduction to 5G Cyber Security
   1. Overview of 5G Technology
      1. Key Features of 5G Networks
         1. Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)
         2. Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC)
         3. Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC)
         4. Network Slicing Capabilities
         5. Service-Based Architecture
      2. Differences from Previous Generations
         1. Architectural Changes from 4G
         2. Performance Improvements
         3. New Service Models
         4. Virtualization and Cloud-Native Design
      3. 5G Deployment Models
         1. Standalone (SA) Architecture
         2. Non-Standalone (NSA) Architecture
         3. Migration Strategies
   2. Evolution from 4G Security
      1. Limitations of 4G Security Architecture
         1. Flat Network Architecture Vulnerabilities
         2. Weaknesses in Signaling Protocols
         3. Lack of Native Virtualization Support
         4. Limited Identity Protection
      2. New Capabilities and Services in 5G
         1. Network Slicing
         2. Edge Computing Integration
         3. Massive Device Connectivity
         4. Ultra-Low Latency Services
         5. Service-Based Architecture Benefits
   3. The 5G Threat Landscape
      1. Expanded Attack Surface
         1. Increased Number of Connected Devices
         2. Distributed Network Elements
         3. Third-Party Integrations
         4. Virtualized Infrastructure Exposure
      2. New Threat Vectors and Actors
         1. Nation-State Threats
         2. Supply Chain Attacks
         3. Insider Threats
         4. Attacks on Virtualized Infrastructure
         5. IoT-Specific Threats
      3. Threat Actor Motivations
         1. Economic Espionage
         2. Critical Infrastructure Disruption
         3. Data Theft and Privacy Violations
   4. Core Security Principles in 5G
      1. Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability (CIA Triad)
         1. Data Confidentiality in Transit and at Rest
         2. Integrity of Signaling and User Data
         3. Ensuring Network and Service Availability
      2. Zero Trust Architecture Principles
         1. Least Privilege Access
         2. Continuous Authentication and Authorization
         3. Micro-Segmentation
         4. Never Trust, Always Verify
      3. Security by Design
         1. Secure Software Development Practices
         2. Threat Modeling in 5G Systems
         3. Security Risk Assessments
         4. Privacy by Design