5G Security Architecture Guide
Comprehensive guide to securing next-generation mobile networks
Key Security Principles
Zero Trust Architecture
Never trust, always verify - continuous authentication and authorization
Defense in Depth
Multiple layers of security controls throughout the network
Network Slicing Isolation
Logical separation of network resources and traffic
Cloud-Native Security
Containerization, microservices, and API security
5G vs 4G Security Improvements
Enhanced Encryption
256-bit encryption vs 128-bit in 4G, mandatory user plane encryption
Subscriber Privacy
SUCI/SUPI mechanism prevents IMSI catching and subscriber tracking
Service-Based Architecture
API-based security with OAuth 2.0, TLS, and service mesh protection
Roaming Security
SEPP (Security Edge Protection Proxy) protects inter-operator communication
Architecture Components
Key Functions
Security Measures
- Service mesh security
- API gateway protection
- Function isolation
Key Functions
Security Measures
- Air interface encryption
- Integrity protection
- Anti-jamming
Key Functions
Security Measures
- Slice isolation
- Resource allocation
- QoS enforcement
Key Functions
Security Measures
- Edge security
- Data locality
- Access control
Security Features & Enhancements
- 5G-AKA (Authentication and Key Agreement)
- EAP-AKA' for non-3GPP access
- Unified authentication framework
- Subscription concealment (SUCI)
- 256-bit encryption algorithms
- Mandatory encryption for user plane
- Integrity protection for control plane
- Algorithm negotiation security
- Service-based architecture (SBA)
- OAuth 2.0 for NF authorization
- TLS for NF communication
- Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP)
- SUPI/SUCI mechanism
- Home network public key encryption
- Temporary identifiers
- Location privacy enhancements
Deployment Models
Advantages
- Faster deployment
- Leverages existing 4G infrastructure
- Lower initial cost
Disadvantages
- Limited 5G features
- Inherits 4G security limitations
- No network slicing
Advantages
- Full 5G features
- Enhanced security
- Network slicing support
- Lower latency
Disadvantages
- Higher deployment cost
- Requires new infrastructure
- Complex migration
Phase 1: NSA Deployment
Deploy 5G NR with existing 4G core for quick market entry
Phase 2: 5G Core Deployment
Build 5G core infrastructure in parallel with NSA operation
Phase 3: SA Migration
Gradually migrate subscribers to 5G SA for full feature access
Phase 4: 4G Decommissioning
Phase out 4G infrastructure as 5G SA coverage matures
Emerging Threats
Mitigation Strategies
- Strong slice isolation
- Resource monitoring
- Anomaly detection
Mitigation Strategies
- API gateway security
- OAuth 2.0
- Rate limiting
- Input validation
Mitigation Strategies
- Edge security hardening
- Secure boot
- Encrypted storage
- Access control
Mitigation Strategies
- SEPP deployment
- Roaming agreements
- Traffic filtering
- Monitoring