Fortinet launches security solution for safe transition to 5G

Fortinet launches comprehensive security solutions that enable a safe transition to 5G. The new solutions are part of the Security Fabric and, according to the security specialist, offer possibilities for securing mobile core networks, cloud environments, IoT environments and application services.

Solutions include virtual SPU technology, advanced anti-malware protection, and powerful next-generation firewalls. The Fortinet Security Fabric claims to combine scalability, visibility and grip with performance and capacity to secure 4G and 5G networks as well as IoT applications.

The company is convinced not only that 5G offers higher speeds, massive connectivity and new business opportunities, but also that the technology will have a profound impact on mobility and digital transformation. 5G will ensure that the entire mobile network infrastructure transforms into a platform and catalyst for added value and the development of innovative network services. Fortinet’s proven security architecture and solutions provide advanced security at every step of this transformation. They provide protection for a variety of LTE, LTE-A and 5G applications, from radio access network (RANs) to operator clouds. Operators can benefit from powerful performance and carrier-level capacity combined with the scalability, visibility and grip they know from the cloud,” said John Maddison, executive vice president of products & solutions at Fortinet.

Network transformation

The ultra-low latency, high bandwidth and top speeds of 5G are often the missing piece of the puzzle when it comes to self-propelled cars or smart cities. According to the company, the technology contributes to a jump-start improvement of this. The company is convinced that the transformation of the mobile infrastructure will transform the network into a platform and catalyst for added value and the delivery of innovative network services.

In their own words, this brings with it revenue opportunities for companies in the field of IoT. However, according to Fortinet, these do increase the risk of damage as a result of denial of service attacks and other advanced cyber threats, which are aimed at the core network. Therefore, according to the security specialist, effective security solutions are indispensable to protect and manage the evolving 4G networks and new 5G networks. According to Fortinet, these new network applications require more than just a decent firewall.

Virtual SPU technology

The company now provides security solutions designed specifically for operators who are preparing their core network to deliver 4.5G and 5G services. Operators are given the opportunity to implement a security framework. This would reduce the costs of launching and managing new services. In addition, it is said to be nip advanced threats in the bud, something that benefits SLA objectives.

For example, in Fortinet’s new security platform, the Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) in the FortiGate series are provided for by Fortinet’s Virtual SPU technology. In addition, there are extensive possibilities for integration with solutions from leading NFV and SDN suppliers. In order to be able to secure 5G networks integrally with innovative techniques, such as network slicing and multi-access edge computing (MEC), VNFs must be offered dynamically wherever they are needed within the network, according to Fortinet.

Vulnerable IoT equipment

Furthermore, Fortinet claims that not only data on endpoints should be protected, but also the IoT equipment itself. This is because they often use stripped-down operating systems with minimal security features. This makes them vulnerable to cyber hijacking and botnet attacks. The company therefore advises operators who offer IoT services via the cloud to ensure a separation between the environments of different customers. It is also wise to keep all virtual machines, containers and internet applications safe. The FortiGate range of firewalls would be able to get to know all the connected devices and create profiles for them to apply detailed security rules.