Securing 5G Telecom Networks
As communication service providers (CSPs) navigate the complexities of modern networks – particularly with the advent of 5G – securing infrastructure has become a critical priority. The scale and openness of 5G networks pose unique challenges, demanding powerful cybersecurity solutions.
Nokia’s NetGuard Identity Access Manager (IAM) is specifically designed to meet these challenges by offering a comprehensive Privileged Access Management (PAM) and Privileged Identity Management (PIM) solution. IAM is a comprehensive, scalable, and secure approach to managing privileged access across telecom networks. Its advanced features, including automated password management, role-based access control, and detailed auditing capabilities, make it an integral tool for CSPs looking to secure their 5G infrastructure.
What is NetGuard Identity Access Manager?
Nokia’s NetGuard Identity Access Manager (IAM) is a sophisticated PAM/PIM application that enhances network security by managing privileged access to physical and virtual network resources. As a centralized security gateway, NetGuard IAM enables CSPs to control, monitor, and audit privileged access across mission-critical networks and IT systems. It acts as a single pane of glass, providing unified identity access control and a streamlined policy management system, making it an essential tool in protecting network functions, resources, and infrastructure.
A Tailored Solution for CSPs and 5G Security
Unlike generic cybersecurity solutions, NetGuard IAM is purpose-built for communication service providers. It delivers unmatched network-wide scalability and high availability, which are critical in today’s large, distributed networks. NetGuard IAM can support any network element, virtual network function (VNF), or data center infrastructure, making it highly adaptable to current and future telecom network environments.
One of the most essential aspects of NetGuard IAM in the 5G era is its ability to enforce robust security policies. Automated telco-specific security measures, such as automatically rotating privileged account passwords based on predefined syntax rules, significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access. These measures ensure that CSPs maintain a secure, reliable network that is compliant with industry regulations.
How NetGuard IAM Supports User Access in Telecom Networks
Flexible and Secure User Access
NetGuard IAM provides flexible and secure user access to network resources, whether the network is static or dynamic. Users can be assigned access to individual networks or groups of resources controlled through named user accounts or shared service accounts. This flexibility is essential in telecom environments, where personnel may need varying access levels to ensure smooth network operations.
Enhanced Security With Run-Time Credential Retrieval
In addition, NetGuard IAM offers advanced user access management capabilities through its Machine-to-Machine (M2M) module. This feature enhances security by removing privileged credentials from scripts and applications, ensuring that credentials are securely retrieved at run time from the NetGuard IAM application server. This improves security and streamlines processes by eliminating the need for manual management of credentials in automated systems.
Access Governance for Streamlined Security Management
NetGuard IAM’s Access Governance Module (AGM) is another standout feature. It provides end users with the ability to request access to network resources through a streamlined workflow. This self-service access governance process reduces administrative overhead and enhances security by ensuring all access requests are approved or rejected by the appropriate resource owner. Automating these workflows allows CSPs to provide consistent and compliant access management across their networks.
Addressing 5G Network Security Pain Points
As 5G networks expand, so do the potential vulnerabilities that malicious actors can exploit. With the advent of 5G, telecom networks have become more complex, decentralized, and open, necessitating stronger security protocols. NetGuard IAM addresses these challenges head-on by offering centralized management of network function security, role-based access privileges, and comprehensive user activity logging.
Some key features of NetGuard IAM include:
Automated Privileged Account Management
NetGuard IAM automates password management for privileged accounts, ensuring secure access to physical and virtual network functions. This helps eliminate insider threats while also exceeding regulatory and compliance requirements.
User Activity Auditing
The solution supports centralized logging and forensic review of user activity, including command-line interface (CLI) and video logging for graphical user interfaces (GUIs). This allows CSPs to audit user sessions and replay activities to detect and respond to suspicious behavior.
Simplified User Experience
NetGuard IAM offers a secure proxy portal with a customized view of authorized applications, resources, and network functions. This enhances the user experience and ensures secure access to critical network assets.
Role-Based Access Management
With NetGuard IAM, CSPs can assign user privileges based on network function type or management and orchestration systems, ensuring that users have the appropriate level of access to perform their jobs without exposing unnecessary security risks.
The Benefits of NetGuard IAM for CSPs
The advantages of deploying NetGuard IAM go beyond its security features. It also offers tangible business benefits, including cost savings, improved operational efficiency, and scalability:
Elimination of Insider Threats
By controlling and monitoring privileged access, NetGuard IAM significantly reduces the risk of insider threats. This is particularly important in large telecom networks where multiple users and systems require access to critical resources.
Compliance and Regulatory Adherence
NetGuard IAM helps CSPs meet and exceed industry regulations, ensuring their networks comply with the latest security standards. This protects the network and shields the organization from legal and financial repercussions.
Cost Savings
Automating security management processes, such as password rotation and access governance, can reduce administrative overhead and security management expenses. Additionally, NetGuard IAM’s ability to accelerate incident analysis by up to 80% can save millions of dollars in potential security breaches and downtime.
Scalability
NetGuard IAM is well-suited for large, distributed telecom networks. Its proven scalability to manage over 100,000 network functions and users makes it ideal for deployment. Its agent-less operation also simplifies deployment by eliminating the need to install software on network elements or resources.
Protecting Tomorrow’s Telecom Networks
NetGuard IAM is not just about meeting the security needs of today’s networks – it’s designed to protect future telecom networks. As an integrated software module of Nokia’s NetGuard Cybersecurity Dome, it leverages machine learning, analytics, and automation to provide real-time insights into security threats and drive intelligent, automated responses.
At a time when cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and frequent, CSPs need a solution that provides robust security and grows with their network. NetGuard IAM, with its extensive support for 5G and beyond, is that solution.
About Infinity Technology Solutions
Infinity Technology Solutions specializes in broadband and critical communications infrastructure development. We help our channel partners create and deploy private wireless, microwave backhaul, IP/MPLS, and optical networking technologies.
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