Security Considerations in 5G Networks: A Slice-Aware Trust Zone Approach

Abstract

A security study of 5G networks and the use of security trust zones in network slicing architectures are presented in this paper. In such an approach, the security trust zone concept is analyzed in terms of a profiling methodology that takes into account the characteristics of the supported network slice. Moreover, the performance and isolation capabilities of the trust zone approach is assessed via a simulation framework, in terms of its ability to detect and mitigate simulated threats. Finally, the security study complements the simulated framework with a use-case analysis of a network testbed, carried out in an industrial environment. The conducted analysis shows that security trust zones can offer a security level which can cover the detection capabilities of critical parts of the network.