Introduction:
Mobile Cloud Comough Joint networks (MoCNs) have changed the user experience by ensuring that anytime anywhere services which are cloud hosted are reachable. However at the center of the network exist two interface points, which are the N2 and N3 interfaces which are important for the routing of user’s data and signaling. The constant movement of devices and rapid network changes in MoCNs pose several security challenges. These include more specially, ever changing potentially large or small embedded topologies, penetration of weak interfaces and sensitive users information management. A procedures standardization is needed in order to tackle these challenges. Above all, standardization raises the least security requirement in order to maintain confidentiality, integrity and availability of certain types of data, in this case, users’ data.
Security Challenges on N2/N3
Diverse and Dynamic Network Topology:
It can be noted with certainty that mobile devices are always moving from one cell to another, transferring network keys. Hence the dynamic aspect of the networks makes it really difficult for a universal security perimeter to be effective. Also, the fact that cloud resources are elastic and can be added and removed in the process of serving the user’s requirement puts the system at risk.
Vulnerable Interfaces:
N2 and N3 interfaces can be defined as the start and end points of the user data as such they are the both access and egress interfaces of the users and their cyberspace susceptibility is very high. These killers are able to exploit weaknesses present in these interfaces and are therefore able to extract, change and even use immoral information for their own purposes.
Sensitive Data:
Taking MoCNs for example, they deal with varying forms of highly sensitive active user data such as, active personal profiles, personal banking info, and health records. Given the increasing user trust and focus on privacy, ensuring the details are secure and cannot be accessed by anyone is crucial. Any form of breach could have dire negative effects on individuals and even organizations using such services.
Security Measures in MoCN:
In order to effectively deal with the aforementioned issues, a combination of security measures, known as countermeasures, against MoCNs, must be put in place.
1) Encryption
Data Encryption:Â
Any user logs and sensitive active data are encrypted immediately before it is sent, thus protecting its confidentiality. This is important, as it ensures that even if the data is captured, only those with the authorized keys to that data can open it.
Control Plane Encryption:
Signaling messages which are transferred from inputs to outputs within the same network are also encrypted to avoid being hijacked or distorted. This prevents unauthorized interactions with control signals.
2) Authentication
Mutual Authentication:
Entities across the network have a responsibility to authenticate each other so as to access mutual communication and ensure it is safe. This protects the system from unauthorized users as well as man-in-the-middle attacks.
User Authentication:
Users are validated in order to check their identity and allow them to use specific services. Due to its many advantages in the context of security against unauthorized access, multi-factor authentication can be used as a robust authentication mechanism.
3) Integrity Protection
Message Authentication Codes (MACs):Â
MACs is a process that facilitates detection of message integrity and message forgiveness while altering the information. As a result, transmission data remains unchanged.
Checksums:Â
The malfunctioning due to errors in data transmission can be diagnosed by means of a checksum. In the event that a checksum error is encountered the data may be sent again.
4) Control of Access
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC):Â
In the RBAC model, authorization permissions for users are defined by the user’s role in the network. This also reduces the chance of critical resources being accessed.
Network Access Control (NAC):
Before allowing device access to the transmission network, NAC applies device security measures and policies. This precaution minimizes the chances of intruders’ devices from penetrating the network.
Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)
Systems which constitute IDPS focus on the detection of attacks which compromise the network by monitoring traffic for unauthorized access, or use of resources, data or damage caused to the network. When such activities are noted, the IDPS can use effective processes to counter possible attacks, like shutting down malicious sites or advising security officials.
Secure Key Management
To ensure confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information, effective cryptographic algorithms together with key management protocols must be applied. Key management includes key generation, key distribution, and key storage and all of them must be implemented appropriately in order to avoid any unauthorized access to the encrypted data.
Network Segmentation Soziales Netzwerk
Network segmentation can be defined as the practice of separating a network into multiple, smaller and isolated networks also called segments. This helps to limit the level of impact that an attacker can have in case there is a security incident, for this kind of a problem can easily be contained in a segment of the network. By segmenting the network, the organization reduces the attack surface and more importantly protects the critical resources.
Success Cases of N2/N3 Security in commercial MoCN
Some telecom operators and some cloud service providers have implemented and are using N2/N3 strong measures in the MoCNs. For example, Telecom Operator X had provided encryption and access control to restrict sensitive user data to endless access. They have been successful in leveraging such technologies due to high levels of risk effortlessly ensuring network security.
Future Trends in N2/N3 Security
New promising technologies are bound to improve the security provision scenario of MoCNs
Blockchain Technology
Blockchain’s decentralized and immutable nature can revolutionize data sharing and authentication within MoCNs. By leveraging blockchain, we can:
Secure Data Sharing:
Establish a transparent and tamper-proof record of data sharing activities, ensuring data integrity and accountability.
Enhanced Authentication:
Implement robust authentication mechanisms that are resistant to hacking and forgery, safeguarding user identities and preventing unauthorized access.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI-powered security solutions can significantly bolster N2/N3 security by:
Real-time Threat Detection:
Employing AI algorithms to analyze network traffic patterns and identify anomalies, enabling proactive threat response.
Intelligent Security Orchestration:
Automating security operations, such as incident response and patch management, to improve efficiency and reduce human error.
Machine Learning
Machine learning algorithms can be utilized to analyze vast amounts of network data, enabling:
Predictive Analytics:
Forecasting potential security breaches by identifying patterns and trends in historical data.
Adaptive Security:
Automatically adjusting security policies based on real-time threat intelligence, ensuring optimal protection.
Conclusion:
The N2 and N3 interfaces within MoCNs are important channels that play an essential role in MoCNs. With the growing complexity of cyber threats, these networks face enormous security challenges. To solve those problems, there is a need for a multilayered security framework including encryption and digital signature, authentication, integrity protection, access control, intrusion detection, secure key management, and network segmentation.
However, for the MoCNs to be able to resist future attacks, the security of the network should be audited and updated regularly. Organizations should regularly assess the security status of their networks, apply appropriate patches and updates, in order to reduce vulnerabilities and protect sensitive user information. The use of innovative technologies such as blockchain, AI and machine learning can also help in building newer and better awareness for the future disturbances for MoCNs.
