Communication networks are evolving to support faster, more efficient, interconnected services. Among these advancements, 5G and FutureG networks promise unprecedented levels of wireless performance. However, with increased connectivity comes the need for enhanced security measures. In this blog post, we explore the crucial role of digital certificates in securing these newer networks and discuss five intriguing points about their applications.
Security is paramount in 5G and FutureG networks, considering the vast amount of data being exchanged and the multitude of interconnected devices. Digital certificates serve as the linchpin of security by authenticating the identity of devices, networks, and users. By incorporating digital certificates, these networks can effectively thwart unauthorized access, data tampering, and man-in-the-middle attacks, bolstering the overall security posture.
Maintaining trust and preserving user privacy are key considerations in modern networks. Digital certificates establish trust between network entities, ensuring that devices and applications can verify the legitimacy and integrity of the data they receive. This enables secure, encrypted communication between devices, preventing unauthorized interception or tampering of sensitive information and safeguarding user privacy.
In 5G and FutureG networks, where numerous devices and services are interconnected, robust authentication and authorization mechanisms are vital. Digital certificates provide a reliable means to authenticate devices, users, and services, verifying their identity and permissions. By employing digital certificates, these networks can ensure that only authorized entities can access specific network resources, mitigating the risk of unauthorized access.
One of the key features of mobile networks is the ability to roam between different network environments. Digital certificates play a crucial role in this process by enabling secure handover. Devices can authenticate themselves to new network access points, ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining the security and integrity of communication. This capability enhances user experience and supports uninterrupted connectivity.
With the proliferation of devices and services modern networks, managing security at scale becomes a daunting task. Digital certificates provide a scalable solution by leveraging the existing Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). Certificate authorities (CAs) issue and manage digital certificates, ensuring their validity and revocation when necessary. This streamlined approach enables efficient deployment and management of digital certificates, facilitating secure and reliable communication across a wide range of devices and services.
As 5G and FutureG networks continue to evolve, incorporating robust security measures is crucial. Digital certificates emerge as a fundamental element in fortifying these advanced networks, offering enhanced security, trust, and privacy. Their application ensures authentication, authorization, and seamless roaming while enabling scalability and efficient management. By harnessing the power of digital certificates, we can confidently embrace the boundless opportunities that lie ahead in our increasingly interconnected world.
Prior to SecureG, Todd worked at Juniper Networks as both a technical trainer and systems engineer where he obtained JNCIE #0007 and ran the training and certification programs for the East Coast. At Juniper, he became a Subject Matter Expert on Internet backbone routing, and managed a team of 12, co-authored two books and built a modern training facility to support operations. Todd left Juniper for Starent Networks where he worked as a Solution Architect and became a SME on mobile networking for 2.5G, 3G, and 4G networks including LTE and eHRPD. After Starent Networks Todd joined Movik Networks where he helped develop and sell Big Data Analytics solutions for mobile networks as well as advanced content delivery solutions that optimized network performance and user experience. Todd worked to close multiple Tier 1 carriers as customers while there which led to an acquisition by Ribbon Networks. At Ribbon Networks, Todd served as Sales Management Consultant where he ran a team responsible for selling Analytics solutions globally. Todd developed the product, sales team, and built facilities to support the sales process.
Todd has served as a Subject Matter Expert in various disciplines supporting sales teams in the delivery of advanced technologies supporting data analytics, mobile networks, internet backbone routing, policy decision/enforcement, and edge content delivery. Todd has been part of SecureG since 2021 working as a network architect in a pre-sales engineering role concentrating on mission critical networks including 5G and virtualized infrastructure. Todd designs and deploys solutions that provide Zero Trust enabled solutions for the most critical network infrastructures. He utilizes a detailed understanding of wireless packet core, RAN for LTE and 5G networks, virtualized infrastructure, and Zero Trust principles to identify ways to optimize network behavior and improve network security via an enhanced PKI infrastructure.
Sean Turner has been involved in the IETF since IETF 34 and has authored or co-authored over 50 RFCs. From March 2007 to March 2014, Sean served on the IESG as the IETF Security Area Director. Prior to being appointed to the IESG, Sean was chair of the SMIME and XMPP WGs. Currently, Sean is chair of the TLS, MLS, and WPACK WGs. He is founder of sn3rd llc, which focuses on policy, design, and implementation of security solutions, and is author of the Implementing Email and Security Tokens: Current Standards, Tools, and Practices (John Wiley and Sons, 2008).
Russ Housley has worked in the computer and network security field since 1982. Before starting Vigil Security, Russ worked at the Air Force Data Services Center (AFDSC), Xerox Special Information Systems (XSIS), SPYRUS, and RSA Laboratories. His security research and standards interests include security protocols, certificate management, cryptographic key distribution, and high assurance design and development practices. He has been active in many security standards organizations; his recent focus has been on the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).
James Gorman – Cyber Security Expert and entrepreneur with experience securing, designing, deploying, and maintaining large-scale, mission-critical applications and networks. James leads teams through multiple FedRAMP, NIST, ISO, PCI, and HITRUST compliance audits, and he has helped numerous companies formulate strategies for compliance and infrastructure scalability. His previous leadership roles span from CISO to VP Network Operations & Engineering to CTO and VP of Operations, at companies as diverse as GE, Epoch Internet, NETtel, SecureNet, Transaction Network Services, AuthX, Certify Global, SecureG, Cyber Defense Media Group, and OnePay.
Bill Anderson, CTO – Bill is a security industry executive with extensive leadership experience founding, funding, and operating security software companies. He served as President of CIS Mobile and as Vice President, Technology Investments at Allied Minds where he managed a portfolio of information security, quantum, and semiconductor design companies.
Bill has held executive roles in product management and marketing at several public and private technology companies. He has served as Vice Chairman of Maryland TEDCO, a $110 million early stage investment company.
Bill has extensive experience in developing and marketing hardware, software, and intellectual property and is an expert on security in the mobile ecosystem.
James FX Payne’s career has spanned the breadth of both cyber and national security. Most recently, he was VP of Special Programs for pExchange LLC, a data services provider specializing in DoD and civilian agency budgets. Previously he stood up the Dun and Bradstreet security practice and was President of the public sector of Z&A Infotek, a company also focused on cybersecurity. Earlier, he was SVP/GM of national security and cyber infrastructure at Telecorida Technologies.
Carlos Solari, VP of Product Development, has a career spanning private and public sector leadership roles and the gamut of IT and cybersecurity. Previously, as VP at Comodo, he led the definition and launch of new security portfolio products for the MSP/MSSP market, launched the company’s SoC-as-a-service offering and ran compliance programs. Earlier, he was CIO of infrastructure and IoT security firm, Mission Secure; VP/GM at Global Security Solutions; and CIO at EOP. He also spent seven years with the FBI and other parts of the U.S. Federal Government in senior security roles.
Mike Denning was previously a partner at Blu Ventures Investors and served on the Cyber Investment Committee and Cyber Fund Investment Committee. Mike spent the last 20 years in the IT security industry, most recently as chief operating officer at ScienceLogic, the leading hybrid IT monitoring software company. He has extensive experience in leading security business management, including as VP of Global Security for Verizon Enterprise, the leading Managed Network Security provider; as the SVP General Manager of the security business unit for CA Technologies, the leader in Identity and Access management software; and management roles for two different security focused business units for VeriSign in the Managed Security Services space.