Research by BPI Network reveals how carriers are ready to seize new business opportunities from IoT solutions with a strong focus on security risks
A10 Networks (NYSE: ATEN), a company specializing in Application Visibility Performance and Security, reveals through a global research conducted with the Business Performance Innovation (BPI) Network, how Mobile Service Providers predict new business from high-speed 5G networks and IoT apps , while considering the need to enhance safety levels.
The report titled "Securing the Future of a Smart World" shows that carriers around the world are moving decisively towards commercializing 5G and security is a top priority. According to the survey, 67% of carriers will activate the first 5G networks within 18 months and another 20% within two years, while 94% of operators expect significant growth in traffic and connected IoT devices also increasing the aspects related to safety and reliability. Finally, the 79% of carriers highlight 5G as one of the elements to consider in current security investments.
"Carriers around the world are evaluating new business opportunities derived from 5G networks as they continue with implementations" - he says. Gunter Reiss, VP Worldwide Marketing di A10 Networks. - "However, the industry recognizes that 5G will dramatically increase investment to ensure the security and reliability of these networks. New mission-critical applications such as autonomous vehicles, smart cities and remote clinical monitoring of patients will make the reliability of networks vital for the safety and security of people and companies. Meanwhile, the drastic increase in the volume of traffic and connected devices will expand the attack areas for cybercriminals. "
Operators still have a lot to do to strengthen networks in anticipation of 5G. For example, while 80% of the mobile phone operators interviewed say that it will be necessary to update the Gi / SGi firewalls at the core of the networks, only 11% of them have already completed the implementation of these new devices.
New earning opportunities
To exploit the potential of 5G on a large scale, major investments from carriers are required, ROI is a crucial problem for the sector. The top three benefits ensured by 5G are: 67% overall growth of the mobile phone market; 59% better customer service with increased customer satisfaction; 43% creation of new business models enabled by 5G. The drivers for 5G instead are: 61% smart cities, 48% industrial automation and intelligent production, 39% high-speed connectivity, 37% fixed wireless access, 35% connected vehicles.
Assess the security needs related to 5G
The main issues are network core security and DDoS protection. 63% of respondents believe advanced DDoS protection to be the most important security prerequisite needed for 5G; 98% say core network security is very important (72%) or important (26%) in 5G build-outs; 79% have or will update the Gi / SGi firewalls and finally 73% have or will update the GTP firewall.
"Operators are fully aware of the importance of updating security in a world that is now increasingly connected and smart" - continues Reiss. “Now is the time to take decisive action. Carriers must move forward with plans to upgrade the legacy DDoS protection system and consolidate services at the core and edge of the networks to address growing challenges. A10's security solutions for 5G, including Gi / SGI firewall, GTP firewall and AI-based DDoS protection, enable carriers to protect and scale their networks, even defending against the large cyber threats coming from 5G . "
Research methodology
In collaboration with A10 Networks, Business Performance Innovation (BPI) Network conducted the global survey of service providers to understand their intentions, priorities and concerns with respect to 5G. The research was carried out on the sample of 145 Business IT and Leading Communications Service Providers from around the world.
