To strengthen network security for 5G, Indian telcos may double investment as per risk management firm

Indian mobile phone operators are expected to at least double their investments in network security, with the 5G rollout expected to spark a surge in network vulnerabilities, which assume critical importance, especially for enterprises
SecurityGen unveils 5G Cyber-security Lab

Indian mobile phone operators are expected to at least double their investments in network security, with the 5G rollout expected to spark a surge in network vulnerabilities, which assume critical importance, especially for enterprises, experts said.


“With 5G, it is the first time they (the telcos) have a chance to put security at the core of the telecom operations. This will, of course, increase the need for investment to 2-2.5X from what they are doing now,” said Ruchin Kumar, vice president of South Asia at Futurex, an enterprise-class data security solutions provider.

Indian telcos allocate approximately 5% of their revenue to IT budgets, with 4-5% of that allocated towards network security protocols designed to protect both consumer and internal networks. As such, it is clear that investing in comprehensive security measures has become a vital part of any successful telecom business.

As 5G technology is fully launched, data flow is anticipated to increase by five to ten times. In response, Chetan Jain of Inspira Enterprise – a cybersecurity risk management firm – predicts that 25-30% of IT budgets will be dedicated solely to network security measures. Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea, and Bharti Airtel did not respond when the Economic Times reached out for comment on this issue at press time.

Due to 5G, the IoT ecosystem is projected to witness a surge of connected machines all transmitting data and information into the network. In this sense, it is of utmost importance that we have robust security protocols in place for our networks so as to guarantee secure data transmission for those on the receiving end.

“As organizations integrate 5G into their enterprises and explore the possibility of IoT and Industry 4.0, data security concerns will become paramount,” expressed Pareekh Jain, CEO of EIIRTrend – an engineering research firm. “We must take extra precautions to ensure that our networks are safe.”

As 5G becomes more widespread, the need for better security measures is essential. However, telecommunication companies may face a few obstacles in their efforts to upgrade, as experts point out that transitioning from 4G to 5G can prove difficult due to its incompatibility with older networks and hardware. To meet these requirements, new systems must be put in place along with updated software solutions—a task that could pose an additional challenge for telcos across the globe.

Nishant Bansal, Senior Research Manager of IDC Asia/Pacific Telecom, explained that the transitioning process might bring two security concerns—the transfer of existing 3G/4G safety complications and the potential risks from products from less reliable providers.

Securing telecommunication networks is paramount; hence, telcos should prioritize the implementation of network DDoS protection and identity & access management systems.

By investing in artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) for network security, telcos will have the power to protect their networks from rising data traffic, IoT devices, consumers, and enterprises. AI modules are essential for threat detection and addressal as more people become connected with these networks – providing them the sophisticated protection they need.

Automating network traffic filtering and security monitoring with artificial intelligence is an intelligent investment for telcos, Pramod Gummaraj, chief executive of Aprecomm – a network intelligence firm- suggests. Doing so would not only ensure enhanced threat detection but also provide greater visibility to their networks’ components. Additionally, the implementation of software-defined networks allows them to rapidly detect any potential threats that may exist in the system.

 


Recent Content

AI agents are transforming enterprise operations, acting as autonomous digital coworkers that enhance productivity, reduce costs, and support strategic decision-making. With a projected 327% growth by 2027, enterprises must adopt AI agents to remain competitive in an AI-first economy.
Financial institutions are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to navigate complex regulations, transforming compliance into a competitive advantage. AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data quickly is proving transformative in meeting these challenges, automating tasks and improving efficiency. This shift allows compliance professionals to focus on strategic initiatives while ensuring regulatory compliance.
The recent SK Telecom data breach, termed the industry’s worst by CEO Ryu Young-sang, led to a massive customer exodus and highlighted urgent cybersecurity needs. With 70,000 users lost, the telecom giant faces financial and legal challenges, emphasizing the critical role of robust data security measures.
Meta projects its generative AI technologies to generate substantial revenue, forecasting between $460 billion to $1.4 trillion by 2035. This growth is supported by strategic monetization and robust investments in AI development, despite facing significant legal and ethical challenges.
The telecom sector is evolving from 5G to 6G, emphasizing AI-driven solutions, software-centric strategies, and open-source collaboration. This transition aims to enhance network management and user experiences with technologies like AR, VR, and more efficient data handling.
Salesforce is addressing AI inconsistencies in enterprises with its new concept of Enterprise General Intelligence (EGI) and innovative tools such as SIMPLE and CRMArena. These initiatives aim to enhance the reliability and applicability of AI across business operations.
Whitepaper
Explore how Generative AI is transforming telecom infrastructure by solving critical industry challenges like massive data management, network optimization, and personalized customer experiences. This whitepaper offers in-depth insights into AI and Gen AI's role in boosting operational efficiency while ensuring security and regulatory compliance. Telecom operators can harness these AI-driven...
Supermicro and Nvidia Logo
Whitepaper
The whitepaper, "How Is Generative AI Optimizing Operational Efficiency and Assurance," provides an in-depth exploration of how Generative AI is transforming the telecom industry. It highlights how AI-driven solutions enhance customer support, optimize network performance, and drive personalized marketing strategies. Additionally, the whitepaper addresses the challenges of integrating AI into...
RADCOM Logo
Article & Insights
Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) have evolved from experimental satellite systems to integral components of global connectivity. The transition from geostationary satellites to low Earth orbit constellations has significantly enhanced mobile broadband services. With the adoption of 3GPP standards, NTNs now seamlessly integrate with terrestrial networks, providing expanded coverage and new opportunities,...

Download Magazine

With Subscription

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Scroll to Top