Security Aspects of a 4G/5G Cellular Network in an Industrial Environment Using Industry Connect as an Example, Ravyn J. Henning

Ravyn J. Henning

Abstract

The deployment of private cellular networks in industrial applications is expected to be an important development for many branches to prepare for a more digitized market environment. At the same time, a challenging threat environment and expanded legal regulations in terms of data privacy and security move product security more into focus. This thesis examines the risks of private cellular networks, which combine the two separated technology elds of cellular networks and IT security in a single new product. It is examined whether existing standards that only refer to one domain are nonetheless a suitable means to increase the product security. Therefore, threats and risks are analyzed using one product as an example. After identifying appropriate standards and recommendations, the documents are inspected to examine which of the threat categories identied before they cover. The results show that a wide eld of risks may be avoided if private cellular networks are designed according to the standards for common networks. However, technology-specic risks like signal interference by jamming or man-in-the-middle attacks based on intercepting device identiers require special consideration both during product development and during operation. Additionally, the legal frameworks in regions that are presumed rst markets for the product are described for a better understanding of the importance of data protection.

Keywords: IT Security, Cloud Management, Wireless Networks, Telecommunication Network, Risk Analysis, Security Management, Data Security, Data Privacy, Network Security