Private 5G (P5G) networks are being deployed to enable live automation, Internet of Things (IoT) sensor networks at a massive scale, and mobile robotics in environments where Wi-Fi and public cellular fail. Yet, moving to private 5G network architecture pledges more control and performance, but simultaneously, births a new attack surface that legacy IT security models cannot defend.
There needs to be a fundamental rethink of how to protect the operational technology (OT) that now runs the physical world.
Private 5G is now considered the digital backbone for automation and robotics in many industries, for what it offers from speed. But behind the coverage gains, security teams fear such networks to bring cyberthreats if not aligned perfectly with corporate information technology (IT) systems.
Private 5G Architecture
Private 5G networks give enterprises what they’ve always been asking for: dedicated spectrums, ultra-low latency, and granular network slicing. But the speed in which these enterprises are evolving, adopting 5G enterprise private 5G means going from IT-centric to OT-centric connectivity.
The maneuver of the convergence of IT to OT networks will give attackers new entry points. And the way things stand, standard cellular security, such as inter-device and network core mutual authentication, is already insufficient for protecting industrial equipment.
So, where would that leave the protection of high-scale of IoT devices – each a potential vulnerability – that demands a zero-trust architecture that assumes no component is just, well, safe?
The difference between P5G and modern enterprise networks is that it gives companies full autonomy over their wireless systems. Enterprise private 5G deployment, for example, solves the mission of connectivity problems in factories, ports, and remote sites.
But the design of private 5G network architecture – derived from carrier-grade Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards – creates new holes for attackers.
3GPP is a “partnership project bringing together national Standards Development Organizations (SDOs)” globally “to develop technical specifications for the 3rd generation of mobile, cellular telecommunications, Universal Mobile Telephone Systems (UMTS).
Unlike Wi-Fi and Ethernet, private devices on cellular networks connect using SIM cards rather than enterprise identity logins. Meaning, machines can operate beyond what security teams see. Unless the networks are integrated, it risks more firms depend on private 5G network connectivity for daily operations.
According to Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), enterprise private 5G can leave businesses exposed if they are not secure and connected to their IT security systems.
“Private 5G represents the next frontier of enterprise connectivity, but with its potential comes new complexity and risk. By bringing Wi-Fi and 5G under a common security framework, the industry can accelerate digital transformation without compromising resilience or interoperability,” said Tiago Rodrigues, CEO of the Wireless Broadband Alliance.
Therefore, WBA suggests a “converged security architecture” solution. Firms must treat private cellular phones the same way they treat Wi-Fi, using a single policy framework because treating P5G as a separate telecoms island is not the goal.
Zero Trust and Automation Affect Protection
Many security experts consider old cellular controls not enough for a modern 5G enterprise private network. A valid SIM should not mean a device can reach everything.
This is why Zero Trust is becoming the rule for private 5G network architecture, and WBA is urging to apply its principles.
A Zero Trust framework works in a way that it assumes no implicit trust. So, it doesn’t matter if a device is on Wi-Fi or 5G and requires continuous verification.
Zero Trust allows firms to control every device based on roles, not just location to protect sensitive data, even when robots and sensors connect through private 5G network architecture.
“As enterprises accelerate digital transformation, integrating Private 5G into existing IT and Wi-Fi environments introduces both opportunity and complexity, particularly for security teams tasked with protecting critical operation,” said Gino Corleto, Project Leader and Industry Solutions Architect at Cisco.
Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) integration strengthens security by processing data close to where it is created. From there, companies can reduce their private 5G network cost while securing information inside local systems.
Taking business into consideration, they have to weigh private 5G network pricing to add more protection. Yet, many see investment as part of their long-term digital strategy, especially when using trusted network providers.
Experts say the focus when it comes to private 5G solutions should not only be speed or coverage, but strong security and smart design models that decide whether the networks stay safe or become the next cyberattack target.
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