Decoding 5G security: toward a hybrid threat ontology

Abstract

The rapid deployment of 5G technology ushers in a new era of connectivity with unparalleled potential, but it also presents unprecedented security challenges. A meticulous review of ENISA's Taxonomy is undertaken, specifically in its application to 5G networks and their cybersecurity assets. This work also evaluates the relevance of cybersecurity structures in other EU papers and ENISA reports, providing critical insights into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. In the context of hybrid threats, the study categorizes these multifaceted challenges using the established taxonomy. It establishes connections between ontological categories, thereby deriving an ontology that illuminates the intricate nature of hybrid threats within 5G. The integration of the 5G vision with the TEN-T initiative for trans-European transport corridors constitutes a significant part of the research. This phase incorporates a comprehensive review of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) work plan, encompassing vital elements like Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), Software-Defined Networking (SDN), FOG/EDGE/CLOUD computing. The study also delves into the intricacies of 5G cybersecurity, examining ENISA's contributions to 5G network security and risk while navigating the landscape of applicable EU and national laws, along with EU guidance. This exploration extends to cybersecurity implications within the context of the CEF funding program. Significantly, the integration of RDF coding plays a pivotal role in aligning the developed ontology with the JRC Cybersecurity Taxonomy. This exposition represents a milestone in the field of 5G cybersecurity, as it effectively aligns a comprehensive ontology, designed to comprehend and mitigate hybrid threats in 5G networks, with the JRC Cybersecurity Taxonomy. The alignment is achieved by leveraging RDF coding techniques, which have greatly enhanced the ontology's machine-readability and interoperability.