5G network slicing: a game-changer for network security

Article

The power of 5G network slicing

5G network slicing allows for dedicated, secure network segments, enhancing protection. Discover how Enterprise Mobile Protect leverages 5G slicing technology to deliver advanced network security, providing businesses with a robust defence mechanism that adapts to evolving cyber threats and ensures secure operations.

Categories: Cyber security, 5G, Mobile security, Network slicing

07 Oct 2024

5 Mins

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Organisations are moving beyond protecting individual devices; the new priority is securing the entire network. This shift is essential in a landscape where threats can strike from any angle, targeting any connected device. This is where Security-as-a-Slice comes into play, redefining network safety.

Evolving threats: a call to action

The cyber threat landscape is growing more complex and widespread, with traditional security measures often lagging behind these rapidly advancing dangers. The challenges include:

Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)
Zero-day exploits
Ransomware attacks
IoT vulnerabilities
Supply chain attacks

These sophisticated threats can cause data breaches, financial losses, and irreparable reputational harm. Now, more than ever, proactive, network-level security is crucial to staying ahead of these evolving risks.

The importance of network-level security

Network security has three core objectives¹

Preventing unauthorised access to network resources
Detecting and halting cyberattacks and breaches in real-time
Ensuring authorised users can securely access the resources they need exactly when they need them.

As 5G networks evolve, their advanced capabilities play a pivotal role in strengthening cyber security. With the rise in cyberattacks, 5G’s ability to support enhanced, proactive measures helps mitigate risks such as network downtime, data leaks, regulatory challenges, and financial loss. Leveraging 5G’s robust architecture to block threats at the network level offers key business advantages.²

Comprehensive security
Protects the entire network, including all connected devices, ensuring consistent security across the organisation.
Reduced downtime
Minimises disruptions by neutralising threats early, leading to higher operational efficiency and business continuity.
Cost efficiency
Lowers the need for expensive endpoint security solutions and reduces the financial impact of potential cyberattacks.
Scalability
Adapts easily to growing network demands, providing consistent protection as your business expands.
Enhanced compliance
Helps meet regulatory and compliance requirements by providing robust, network-wide security measures.
Improved user experience
Ensures secure, seamless resource access for authorised users without compromising speed or productivity.

However, implementing comprehensive network-level security has historically been challenging due to the complexity and diversity of modern networks. 5G network slicing makes it accessible.

How 5G network slicing redefines security

5G network slicing revolutionises security by creating multiple virtual networks within a single physical infrastructure. Each "slice" can be customised to meet unique use cases and security needs, unlocking new levels of protection. Leading this transformative technology, Enterprise Mobile Protect (EMP) is driving the future of network security.

Block threats at the network level with Enterprise Mobile Protect

Singtel partnered with Palo Alto Networks to pioneer one of the world’s first Security-as-a-Slice cyber security solutions. Enterprise Mobile Protect (EMP) leverages 5G Network slicing technology to integrate a Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) into Singtel’s 5G network to provide a layer of protection at the network level.

Powered by advanced precision AI and machine learning, EMP detects and blocks zero-day threats—viruses, malware, spyware, and phishing links—at the network level, intercepting them in real-time. EMP also offers advanced URL filtering, whitelisting, and blacklisting to ensure your team’s online activities are secure.

Additionally, EMP provides exceptional flexibility and customisation of policies and profiles, delivering tailored and adaptive security solutions to meet unique organisational needs while keeping users protected as they enjoy 5G benefits.

*Users must be on 5G Standalone network, which encompasses a 5G Device, 5G SIM Card and 5G Plan

Features of Enterprise Mobile Protect

Antivirus protection
Safeguard your business from disruptive cyber threats like viruses, worms, trojans, and spyware

Anti-spyware
Protect sensitive business information by blocking spyware and botnets, preventing unauthorised data transmission to third parties.

AI and Machine Learning
Stay ahead of emerging threats with automated detection and analysis of unknown malware, including zero-day attacks

Vulnerability protection
Protect your business from exploiting system vulnerabilities, unauthorised access, and phishing attempts, reducing the risk of data breaches.

URL filtering
Gain control over web usage within your organisation by blocking access to harmful or non-productive websites

Whitelist/Blacklist
Customise and enforce your organisation’s web access policies by allowing or denying specific websites

*The usage of Whitelist, Blacklist and URL Filtering features are mutually exclusive

Empower your business with EMP

Advanced threat detection for business continuity
Proactively intercepts and neutralises threats at the network level, ensuring uninterrupted operations by preventing attacks from reaching user devices.

Zero-touch deployment for operational efficiency
Streamlines security management with seamless, automatic protection, eliminating the need for time-consuming installations or updates and allowing your IT team to focus on strategic initiatives.

Customisable security for tailored
business solutions
Provides flexible security configurations with customisable policies and profiles, enabling you to adapt to the unique needs of your business and ensure comprehensive protection.

AI & ML-driven protection for evolving threats
Harnesses the power of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to stay ahead of emerging threats, including zero-day malware, safeguarding your business from the latest security risks.

Choose the right partner

As a leading Asian communications technology group, Singtel offers a comprehensive range of connectivity and security solutions, backed by a strong ecosystem of partners. Our industry-certified experts provide consultancy, deployment, and 24/7 global support, ensuring secure, high-performance networks for enterprise and public sector clients. Secure your network with Singtel.

References

What is network security, IBM
Top 10 Benefits of Network Security and Its importance | Advantages and Disadvantages, Network Bulls, 2024

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