5G-Core Network Security

The emergence of new services in 5G has necessitated a paradigm shift in the core network, as compared to 4G. New disruptive technological concepts such as softwarized and virtualized network functions, and multi‐access edge computing have been used in the core network. Thus, network function virtualization (NFV), software‐defined networking (SDN) and mobile edge computing have brought dynamicity and elasticity into the core network. Albeit the benefits, these technologies also bring their own limitations into the core network. Security challenges, for instance, constitute one such challenge dimension that need proper investigation into the loopholes existing in these technologies, and thus seek solution to those challenges. In this article, we discuss the security of 5G core network. The potential security challenges and possible solutions for the core network as a whole, and its key functions and technologies are discussed in this article.