5G-ENSURE

The 5G-ENSURE project was the reference project for everything that concerns security in 5G while contributing to 5G resilience.

Compared to the current 4G mobile phone networks, 5G mobile networks will be faster, support more devices in the same space, connect autonomous devices such as cars and very low-power devices and will have perfect mobility with connections moving seamlessly between Wi-Fi, mobile and even satellite technologies. The networks will use Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualisation (NFV), creating more flexibility but also increasing complexity.

The security of 5G networks is much more complicated than existing 3G or 4G networks: the users must be identified and authenticated in a consistent way across multiple technologies and their privacy ensured; the operators of SDNs must consider the trustworthiness of many other providers and users; added complexity brings new threats and requires additional monitoring and control.

The project performed the following:

• Collected, analysed and prioritised 5G security requirements
• Defined a security architecture
• Developed software to implement selected security services
• Worked with the 5G-PPP and 5G Association to promote the project and define a vision for security in 5G

The project consortium included network operators (Orange and Telecom Italia), large equipment and service providers (Nokia, Ericsson, NEC and Thales) and companies, research organisations and universities working in the area of security.

Secure Society Network & Service Management