5G Softwareization and Quantum Cryptography. Cybersecurity of network data is an industry in itself. Add 5G and you place more data in vulnerable environments; in the case of 5G, the airwaves. Where the data can easily be captured for processing. That is the easy vulnerability to spot.
Not so widely know is the increasing practice of softwareization – virtualized and cloud hosted network communication services traditionally kept in-house with dedicated software.
“The move of critical network communication functions into software, distributed across the internet however, imposes significant security risk for telecommunications networks and specifically for 5G networks that rely entirely on such software architecture. Any malicious attempt to tamper with these virtualized network functions can potentially put the whole internet and its users at risk.”
Researchers at the University of Bristol addresses this cybersecurity issue by leveraging quantum technologies in securing the softwareization environment.
“[Their] proposed quantum secured 5G virtualization platform is capable of working across multiple 5G operators’ networks (i.e. EE, O2, Vodafone etc.). It uses advanced and standard compliant virtualization technology for creating on-demand complex and collaborative 5G network services across operators’ domains, while utilizingz quantum cryptography and optical interconnection infrastructure to secure services and guarantee 5G Key Performance Indicators (3GPP KPIs).”
Best to get this implemented now, because quantum is coming. Qubit.
