New Research Unveils Significant Security Risks in Mobile Networks for Enterprises

Unveiling Security Risks in Enterprise Mobile Networks

In a revealing study launched on March 3, 2025, CTOne, a subsidiary of Trend Micro, underscores critical security vulnerabilities plaguing enterprise mobile networks, particularly in private 5G environments. This research is not just a call to action; it signifies a wake-up call for organizations navigating the expansive landscape of mobile technology.

Today's enterprises are increasingly leveraging mobile-edge AI devices and applications, yet the rapid growth in attack surfaces has outpaced organizations' ability to secure these networks. The pressing findings illustrate a concerning trend: a staggering 80% of global organizations lack a dedicated communications technology (CT) team responsible for managing and securing their networks. Alarmingly, a significant portion of the security responsibilities often falls to the CTO (43%) or CIO (32%), individuals who may not specialize in network security. As cybersecurity threats continuously evolve, this lack of specialized knowledge exposes businesses to heightened risks.

Jason Huang, CEO of CTOne, emphasizes the pressing need for firms deploying private 5G networks to proactively secure their environments to manage enterprise attack surface risks effectively. "Organizations deploying private 5G are experiencing the transformative advantages of next-generation wireless technology, yet they must prioritize securing these networks to protect sensitive data and operations," he asserts.

Key Findings from the Research

To bolster its findings, CTOne commissioned Sapio Research to survey over 800 decision-makers across nations including the U.S., UK, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The following insights emerged:
1. Limited Expertise: Only 20% of organizations have a specialized CT team.
2. Responsibility Overlap: CTOs and CIOs often juggle CT security alongside their primary responsibilities, leading to potential oversights.
3. Growing Vulnerabilities: The swift adoption of AI-powered security solutions is juxtaposed against a backdrop of significant vulnerabilities, indicating that the tools alone cannot rectify the gaps created by a lack of expertise.

The Role of CTOne at Mobile World Congress 2025

At the upcoming Mobile World Congress in Barcelona from March 3-6, CTOne will showcase groundbreaking mobile network security solutions that address these pressing concerns. Their innovations promise to empower organizations by integrating protection across IT, OT, and CT environments. Attendees will witness live demonstrations of end-to-end zero trust capabilities tailored for both private and public wireless networks.

One of the flagship offerings to be highlighted is CTOne SecureRAN, a specialized solution designed for AI-powered Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN). This product aims to ensure robust security for O-RAN infrastructures, driving better outcomes and promoting secure deployments of AI-driven applications.

Moving Forward: A Call to Action

Organizations currently employing or considering the deployment of private 5G networks must recognize the dual challenge they face: realizing the advantages of next-generation wireless technology while comprehensively securing those networks. The threat landscape is evolving, and as this research has spotlighted, a strategic investment in expert security solutions and dedicated teams is imperative.

In conclusion, as enterprises navigate this new digital era, the integration of advanced security technologies coupled with specialized CT expertise will be vital in managing and mitigating risks effectively. CTOne stands committed to bridging this expertise gap, providing the necessary tools so that businesses can securely realize the benefits of digital transformation. To learn more and explore these solutions, visit CTOne's website.

This critical research and the solutions presented at MWC 2025 aim to not only inform but also inspire action to tackle the evolving cyber threats that await in the mobile communications landscape.