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Increasing Surge of Private 5G Networks Amid AI Deployment

As the demand for private 5G networks continues to rise, especially across vital sectors such as healthcare, logistics, and energy, research conducted by Trend Micro in collaboration with CTOne reveals alarming security vulnerabilities that make these networks susceptible to cyber threats. The influx of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools aimed at enhancing security has not completely mitigated the very real risks these private networks face due to insufficient knowledge and skills in communications technology (CT).

The Rise and Importance of Private 5G Networks

Private 5G networks are being rapidly adopted by organizations seeking to tap into the immense capabilities of advanced wireless technologies. According to the report, an impressive 86% of surveyed organizations are already utilizing private 5G networks, while 14% are assessing their potential deployment. Industries like military, healthcare, and smart manufacturing are particularly benefiting from the operational efficiencies and enhanced data processing that these networks offer.

However, as organizations embrace this technology, they must recognize that the complexities of implementation necessitate specialized expertise. A significant number of organizations reportedly lack a team solely focused on CT security, with the majority relying on their Chief Technology Officer (CTO) or Chief Information Officer (CIO) to oversee this vital aspect. This lack of dedicated resources is alarming, given that only 20% of these organizations have a team that specializes in securing communications networks.

Challenges in AI Security Deployment

Despite the enthusiasm around AI-powered security solutions, many corporations have faced obstacles in integrating such technologies into their private 5G networks. Key findings indicate that:

• - 47% cited high costs as significant barriers to adopting AI security tools.
• - Concerns over false positives and negatives affected 44% of organizations.
• - 37% highlighted a lack of internal expertise as a major limitation.

Moreover, a troubling gap exists between the promise of AI in enhancing security and the actual deployment of essential measures. For instance, only about half of the organizations ensure compliance with data privacy regulations like GDPR, and similarly low percentages are seen for robust encryption practices and strict access controls, which are fundamental to safeguarding sensitive data flowing through these networks.

The Need for Proactive Security Measures

Security experts emphasize the importance of proactive risk management and attack surface awareness in protecting private 5G networks. Rachel Jin, Chief Enterprise Platform Officer at Trend Micro, stresses that "not all AI security is created equal" and calls for organizations to combine automated solutions with an understanding of cyber risks to effectively safeguard their systems.

Jim Frey, a Principal Analyst, states that the operational value found in private 5G networking is significant, particularly when integrated with AI projects. However, effective monitoring and protective measures need to keep pace with the rapid expansion of these technologies.

Future Considerations

As the research points out, organizations may inadvertently expose themselves to greater cyber and compliance risks if they continue to neglect the appropriate adoption of security measures for AI-enhanced traffic monitoring and analysis. The current allocation of security budgets—on average, a meager 18%—to private 5G networks further illustrates the underestimation of the critical role these systems play in organizational operations.

In conclusion, while private 5G networks present remarkable opportunities for innovation and efficiency, organizations must take definitive action to shore up their defenses to ensure that they are not only exploiting the benefits these networks offer but also adequately protecting them against potential threats that could not only disrupt operations but lead to significant losses. The evolution of security practices must match the pace of technological advancement, particularly in an AI-driven landscape.

For more information, please refer to the Trend Micro website.