Telecom Security 5G Security Services
5G Networks
5G Security Services
End-to-end assurance for 5G deployments — from the radio access network through the cloud-native core — built for operators moving fast without cutting corners on security.
Overview
Introduction
5G is not simply a faster version of previous mobile generations. It replaces fixed, hardware-defined network elements with virtualized, software-driven functions running across distributed cloud environments. That shift brings enormous flexibility — network slicing, edge computing, massive IoT connectivity — but it also introduces attack surface that traditional telecom security testing was never designed to evaluate.
ALCON Cyber Security helps operators, enterprises deploying private 5G, and government agencies validate that their 5G architecture is secure at every layer, from Open RAN interfaces down to the network functions running inside the 5G Core.
Impact
Why This Service Matters
5G underpins services well beyond consumer mobile broadband — connected vehicles, industrial automation, smart grids, and public safety networks increasingly rely on 5G connectivity and network slicing to isolate critical workloads. A vulnerability in a shared 5G Core function or a poorly isolated network slice can cascade across multiple services and tenants simultaneously, turning a single flaw into a multi-sector incident.
Because 5G networks are built on virtualization and cloud-native principles, security testing has to evaluate software configuration, container isolation, and API exposure alongside traditional telecom protocol behavior. Operators that get this right can launch new 5G services with confidence; those that don't risk regulatory scrutiny, service disruption, and loss of enterprise customer trust.
The Landscape
Current Industry Challenges
- Cloud-native attack surface: NFV and SDN-based 5G Core deployments introduce container and orchestration-layer risks absent from legacy hardware networks.
- Network slicing isolation gaps: Misconfigured slicing can allow data or control-plane leakage between tenants sharing the same physical infrastructure.
- Open RAN interoperability risk: Multi-vendor Open RAN deployments widen the interface surface that must be tested and secured.
- New protocol exposure: Service-Based Interfaces using HTTP/2 and REST APIs introduce web-style vulnerabilities into core telecom signaling.
- Edge computing risk: MEC nodes deployed closer to end users and enterprises expand the physical and logical attack surface.
- Standards complexity: Keeping pace with evolving 3GPP and GSMA security guidance requires continuous specialist attention.
Our Approach
How ALCON Helps
ALCON's 5G security team assesses your deployment across the full architecture — Radio Access Network, transport, 5G Core, and edge — rather than treating 5G as an extension of legacy mobile testing. We examine virtualization layers, container configurations, network slice isolation, and API-level security, mapping every finding back to 3GPP and GSMA security requirements so your compliance posture strengthens alongside your technical security.
Each engagement is led by a senior consultant who stays engaged from initial scoping through remediation verification, giving your team a single accountable point of contact throughout.
Architecture
How 5G Traffic Flows Through Our Assessment
A simplified view of the path from device to core, and where ALCON tests along the way.
5G Non-Standalone deployments use the LTE eNB as the control-plane anchor, with the NR gNB carrying user-plane data as the secondary node — both are in scope for RAN testing.
Deep Dive
Specific Core Features
5G Core Assessment
Targeted testing of AMF, SMF, UPF, and other core functions to identify paths to unauthorized access or service disruption.
Network Slicing Security
Verification that slices remain logically and cryptographically isolated, protecting tenant data and control-plane integrity.
Open RAN Security
Review of multi-vendor RAN interfaces and O-RAN Alliance specifications for interoperability and security gaps.
MEC & Edge Security
Assessment of edge compute nodes and local breakout paths to prevent lateral movement into enterprise or operator networks.
NFV/SDN Hardening
Configuration review of virtualization and software-defined networking layers underpinning the 5G Core.
API & Protocol Testing
Security testing of HTTP/2, PFCP, and REST-based Service-Based Interfaces used across the 5G Core.
Secure Your 5G Deployment End to End
Talk to our 5G security specialists about your RAN, core, and edge architecture.
Talk to Our Experts