How can MEC cope with the security threats and challenges of 5G and beyond for mobile communications?

1 Data encryption

One of the main security concerns for MEC is the protection of data that is processed and stored at the edge nodes. Data encryption is a fundamental technique to prevent unauthorized access, modification, or leakage of sensitive information. Encryption can be applied at different levels, such as the network layer, the application layer, or the data layer. For example, network layer encryption can secure the communication between the edge nodes and the core network, while application layer encryption can protect the data exchanged between the edge nodes and the end devices. Data layer encryption can encrypt the data stored at the edge nodes or the cloud.

2 Authentication and authorization

Another security challenge for MEC is the verification of the identity and the privileges of the users and devices that access the edge services. Authentication and authorization are essential to prevent impersonation, spoofing, or unauthorized access. Authentication and authorization can be implemented using various mechanisms, such as passwords, tokens, certificates, biometrics, or blockchain. For example, passwords can be used to verify the identity of the users, while tokens or certificates can be used to grant access to specific edge services. Biometrics can provide a more secure and convenient way to authenticate the users, while blockchain can create a decentralized and transparent ledger to record and verify the transactions and interactions at the edge.

3 Edge security orchestration

A third security challenge for MEC is the coordination and management of the security policies and mechanisms across multiple edge nodes and domains. Edge security orchestration is a solution that can automate and optimize the security operations and functions at the edge. Edge security orchestration can leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning, or cloud computing to monitor, analyze, and respond to the security events and threats at the edge. For example, edge security orchestration can detect and mitigate cyberattacks, such as denial-of-service, malware, or ransomware, by using anomaly detection, intrusion prevention, or backup and recovery techniques. Edge security orchestration can also adapt and update the security configurations and rules according to the changing network conditions and user demands.

4 Security awareness and education

A fourth security challenge for MEC is the lack of awareness and education among the users and stakeholders of the edge services. Security awareness and education are important to raise the understanding and responsibility of the users and stakeholders regarding the security risks and best practices of MEC. Security awareness and education can be delivered through various channels, such as online courses, webinars, workshops, or campaigns. For example, security awareness and education can inform the users and stakeholders about the data protection laws and regulations, the security features and options of the edge services, or the security incidents and lessons learned from MEC.

5 Security standards and guidelines

A fifth security challenge for MEC is the harmonization and compliance of the security requirements and specifications across different edge service providers and platforms. Security standards and guidelines are necessary to establish a common and consistent framework for the security design and implementation of MEC. Security standards and guidelines can be developed and adopted by various organizations, such as industry associations, standardization bodies, or regulatory agencies. For example, security standards and guidelines can define the security objectives, principles, metrics, or protocols for MEC. Security standards and guidelines can also provide recommendations, best practices, or checklists for the security assessment and evaluation of MEC.

6 Security collaboration and innovation

A sixth security challenge for MEC is the promotion and facilitation of the security research and development of MEC. Security collaboration and innovation are vital to foster the security advancement and improvement of MEC. Security collaboration and innovation can involve various actors, such as researchers, developers, vendors, operators, or users. Security collaboration and innovation can be supported by various means, such as funding, incentives, platforms, or competitions. For example, security collaboration and innovation can encourage and enable the exploration and experimentation of new security technologies, methods, or solutions for MEC. Security collaboration and innovation can also stimulate and showcase the security creativity and excellence of MEC.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?