Evolved Intelligence leader reminds MWC crowd of the importance of securing next-generation cellular networks.
The news reminds us daily that our networks, our data, our privacy, our vital infrastructure, and our security are at risk. We’re told constantly to remain vigilant in both our physical and virtual lives. And at communications gatherings, speakers frequently emphasize that security can no longer be an afterthought.
That was the general flavor of comments from Peter Blackie, co-founder and commercial director for Evolved Intelligence, at last week’s Mobile World Congress (News - Alert) in Shanghai. While there, he talked about the importance of securing the next-generation cellular network that will be used during next year’s Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, China.
“I understand the commercial targeting of big events for new technology,” he said, “but it will put the operators in a vulnerable position if they launch 5G networks without the right level of security.”
The SS7 network used by legacy phone networks has already been the subject of hacks. For example, cyber criminals were able to conduct unauthorized wire transfers by using SS7 to interfere with two-factor authentication. Mobile service provider O2-Telefonica (News - Alert) confirmed some of its customers in Germany were targeted in mid-January as part of the effort.
Of course, 4G and 5G cellular networks do and will rely on Diameter – not SS7 – for signaling. But that doesn’t mean the operators and users of these newer generation networks are covered from a security perspective, Blackie explained.
“The security issues will not fade away with the closure of the legacy networks,” said Blackie. “The Diameter signaling used in 4G and 5G networks will need improved security to keep the fraudsters at bay – especially as the technology underpinning Diameter will be more familiar to IT and computer hackers than the telecoms technology used in SS7 signaling.”
A November article by PC World’s Romania correspondent Lucian Constantin says that Diameter is theoretically more secure than SS7, but that it could still be the target of attacks it not deployed with additional security mechanisms.
Edited by Alicia Young