May 4, 2026
Top 7 Strategies for 5G and Legacy Wireless Coexistence
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Private 5G networks are transforming industries like manufacturing and energy by enabling faster, more reliable communication. However, this progress introduces new security risks. Key concerns include cyberattacks on IoT devices, vulnerabilities in 5G’s decentralised architecture, and physical tampering risks. Without proper safeguards, these issues could disrupt operations, cause financial losses, or compromise safety.
To mitigate these risks, 5G networks incorporate advanced features like mutual authentication, encryption, and low-latency protection. Strategies such as network slicing, secure spectrum access, and enhanced IoT device management further strengthen defences. Companies like Firecell offer tailored solutions to address these challenges, ensuring secure deployments for industrial use.
The shift to private 5G networks demands proactive security measures to protect operations and ensure safety.
As industries turn to private 5G networks, they face a range of cyber and physical threats unique to this technology. Understanding these risks is crucial for building strong defences that protect both operations and personnel. Tackling these challenges demands thorough risk assessments and tailored security strategies.
The sheer number of connected devices in industrial environments significantly increases potential vulnerabilities. One of the most pressing concerns is Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which can overwhelm network resources as data volumes and device connections grow exponentially.
Another major threat is ransomware. In industries like oil and gas or manufacturing, ransomware attacks can result in millions of pounds in ransom payments and operational downtime. When production processes rely on real-time communication between sensors, robots, and control systems, even brief disruptions can lead to serious financial and operational setbacks.
Additionally, unauthorised access to IoT devices remains a persistent issue. With the rapid increase in the number of IoT devices used in industrial facilities, the risk of exploitation grows proportionally.
The architecture of 5G networks introduces its own set of vulnerabilities, beyond just device-level risks.
Unlike the centralised hardware of 4G, 5G’s decentralised and virtualised design expands the attack surface significantly. This shift involves a wide range of new technologies, components, and wireless interfaces, each of which could serve as an entry point for attackers. The flexibility of 5G networks, while enabling advanced industrial applications, demands a much broader scope of protection for security teams.
5G networks operate through virtual machines or containers on shared infrastructure, often using open interfaces and spanning public, private, or hybrid deployments. This complexity creates a far more intricate ecosystem that requires constant vigilance to secure effectively.
Physical security risks are just as critical as cyber threats. One significant concern is the compromise of the 5G supply chain. This might involve counterfeit components, malicious software, or poor manufacturing practices. Attackers can exploit vulnerabilities by tampering with devices or injecting compromised software during the production and deployment phases, undermining the integrity of the entire network.
5G networks not only tackle new challenges but also introduce far stronger security measures compared to 4G. These advancements mark a complete overhaul in how wireless networks are secured, prioritising robust protection from the ground up. For industrial settings – where downtime is expensive and data breaches can wreak havoc on production – these security measures are essential. Below, we explore the key features that make 5G a game-changer for industrial applications.
One of the standout features of 5G is its mutual authentication process, where both the user device and the network verify each other’s identity before any data is exchanged. This two-way verification safeguards control-plane signalling through integrity checks, making it much harder for attackers to impersonate devices or network components.
Unlike earlier generations, 5G masks subscriber identities, eliminating the vulnerabilities posed by unencrypted IMSIs. This significantly reduces the risk of tracking and unauthorised surveillance.
Security in 5G is layered into its very architecture. The Service-Based Architecture (SBA) employs TLS protocols for secure communication within the core network and OAuth2 for authorisation at the application layer. These measures ensure both data security and proper access management. For roaming scenarios, a Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP) adds an extra layer of protection by encrypting and filtering communication across the user plane between different operators.
For industries, the end-to-end integrity protection of user plane traffic is particularly crucial. This feature prevents man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks by using advanced cryptographic techniques to secure data from the device level all the way to the core network.
In industrial environments, security measures must not come at the cost of operational efficiency. 5G’s Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) ensures both high availability and reliability, which are vital for industrial control systems. With response times as low as 1 millisecond – a dramatic improvement over 4G’s latency – 5G supports real-time operations without introducing delays that could compromise safety or productivity.
Additionally, 5G introduces Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), enabling highly predictable communication. TSN achieves this through precise synchronisation, redundant communication paths, and time-aware Quality of Service (QoS). This is a significant advantage for industries relying on technologies like autonomous robots, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and precision manufacturing equipment, all of which depend on split-second coordination.https://app.seobotai.com/banner/inline/?id=sbb-itb-ebe3925
The virtualised and distributed nature of 5G infrastructure requires a layered and comprehensive security strategy. Traditional perimeter-based methods just don’t cut it anymore. Industrial organisations need to adopt practical measures tailored to the unique demands of 5G, building on the advanced security features already discussed.
Network slicing allows for tailored, multi-layered authentication specific to different use cases. Instead of relying solely on telecom providers’ authentication systems, enterprises can implement their own EAP TLS-based authentication for individual slices. This approach gives organisations direct control over access to their industrial 5G networks.
The concept of Zero Trust takes this a step further. Patrick Donegan, Principal Analyst at HardenStance, emphasises:
Zero Trust mandates that permission to access resources must be accorded on a far more granular basis and must be subject to continuous authentication and authorization. Permissions must adapt dynamically to changing contexts.
Private slices also provide a major advantage: full visibility. When negotiating with telecom providers, industrial organisations should demand access to network telemetry and logs. This data can then be integrated into existing Security Operations Centres (SOCs) for comprehensive monitoring. However, the complexity of virtualised networks and slicing does introduce risks, such as misconfigurations, which need to be carefully managed.
Securing private 5G networks starts with controlling spectrum access. In the UK, Ofcom‘s Shared Access licences grant access to the 3.8–4.2 GHz band, offering a model that could inspire standardisation across Europe. Licensed spectrum reduces interference, ensuring stable and reliable performance for critical applications – unlike Wi-Fi, which operates on unlicensed and shared frequencies.
By keeping all equipment under company control and using frequency bands tailored to specific business needs, organisations can significantly improve both security and reliability. Adhering to regulatory frameworks, such as Ofcom’s licensing policies, is vital for legal spectrum use and to prevent unauthorised transmissions.
Developing network blueprints that align with local spectrum rules and radio designs ensures consistent performance across various deployments. Fabio Giust highlights this benefit:
a private 5G network is intrinsically more secure than a public network because of its deployment, coverage, user access and equipment characteristics, just to name the most significant aspects.
When combined with network slicing, secure spectrum access ensures interference-free communication, which is critical for industrial operations.
Industrial IoT devices are often a weak link in 5G networks. To address this, organisations should start with SIM-based authentication and secure network segmentation. These measures ensure that only authorised devices can connect to the network.
Strengthening device authentication protocols and implementing continuous monitoring can help detect unusual behaviour before it becomes a serious threat. By integrating IoT security with network slicing and spectrum protection, organisations can maintain both operational efficiency and robust security.
Firecell has crafted its solutions to tackle the specific security challenges of deploying 5G in industrial environments. By using dedicated infrastructure and operating on private frequencies, Firecell ensures minimal interference and maximum reliability, making it an ideal choice for critical applications.
Firecell’s approach to security begins at the hardware level. Private SIM cards are used to store authentication data securely, while end-to-end encryption safeguards all communications. This dual-layered strategy protects against threats like unauthorised access and physical tampering, even in the event of a breach.
François Jézéquel, Head of Business Development at Orange Fab France, praised Firecell’s security measures when the company won the Orange Fab 5G challenge in 2022:
“It was created in a French ecosystem and proposes an autonomous solution, which is a prerequisite for security, especially for sensitive use cases.”
Firecell’s adoption within the defence sector underscores its ability to meet the rigorous demands of high-security environments. These measures not only provide a secure foundation but also ensure smooth integration with existing industrial systems.
Firecell’s platform is designed to work seamlessly with established industrial protocols. It supports the OPC‑UA Framework (IEC 62541) and adheres to IEC 62443 standards, ensuring compatibility and security. Additionally, by leveraging 3GPP-defined 5G Standalone Non-Public Networks, Firecell creates isolated environments that simplify authentication processes and help meet regulatory requirements.
Private 5G is redefining modern industries, delivering advanced capabilities while introducing pressing security challenges. Spending on 5G network security is expected to surge from around £3.3 billion in 2025 to over £9 billion by 2029, highlighting how seriously the industry views these threats.
This growing investment underscores the recognition of vulnerabilities that come with 5G. Traditional methods, like relying on physical isolation, no longer hold up as 5G-connected devices bypass established security perimeters. The challenge is amplified by the sheer number of IoT devices and the continued use of older 2G and 3G networks by 85% of operators. For industries like oil and gas, where downtime can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds daily, the need for robust security is non-negotiable.
Firecell addresses these challenges with military-grade security measures, such as end-to-end encryption and adherence to standards like OPC-UA and IEC 62443. Whether you’re testing with the Orion Labkit or managing large-scale operations with the Pegasus Network, the security infrastructure is designed to remain consistently strong.
The time to act is now. Building security into your 5G deployment from the outset – using strategies like Zero Trust and comprehensive safeguards – is far more effective and economical than trying to patch vulnerabilities later. With a 70% shortage of telecom security experts, early adoption of reliable solutions isn’t just smart – it’s essential. The future of industrial connectivity depends on strong, proactive security. Start secure, stay secure.
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The decentralised structure of 5G networks brings with it a set of security challenges, primarily because it increases the number of potential entry points for attacks. With numerous distributed nodes in play, vulnerabilities can emerge across various components, making the system more susceptible to exploitation.
On top of that, maintaining consistent security policies across such a decentralised framework adds another layer of complexity. This issue becomes even more pressing in industrial settings, where a security breach could not only disrupt operations but also expose sensitive information.×
To keep IoT devices secure on 5G networks, industries need to implement a multi-layered security strategy. This means embracing Zero Trust principles, ensuring end-to-end encryption, and tapping into 5G-specific features like SIM-based access control and network slicing to keep traffic isolated and protected.
Another key step is continuous monitoring, which helps identify and address potential threats in real time. Using tools that offer clear visibility into network activity, alongside machine learning to analyse and understand device behaviour, can significantly enhance security. Additionally, tailoring security measures to fit specific industrial settings – whether it’s a manufacturing plant or a logistics operation – ensures threats are managed effectively without disrupting core operations.×
Network slicing plays a key role in safeguarding private 5G networks by splitting the network into separate, dedicated slices. Each slice operates independently with customised security measures, ensuring that sensitive industrial applications remain shielded from other network traffic and potential risks.
This segmentation reduces the potential attack surface and isolates critical operations, helping to preserve the integrity and safety of industrial processes. It also allows for specific security needs to be addressed for different applications, making it an indispensable feature for protecting 5G-powered industrial environments.
