Trend Micro, in collaboration with CTOne, has released a new research report warning that a lack of communications technology expertise is exposing private 5G networks to cybersecurity risks. Despite widespread adoption of AI-driven security tools, organizations remain vulnerable due to knowledge gaps, misconfigurations, and inadequate security budgets.
The Rise of Private 5G Networks and Security Challenges
- Private 5G adoption is surging, with 86% of surveyed organizations currently using them and another 14% evaluating deployment.
- AI-powered security tools are gaining traction, with 62% already using them and 35% planning to implement them.
- However, AI security alone is not enough—a lack of CT-specific expertise leaves organizations exposed to potential compromises.
AI Capabilities for Private 5G Security
Organizations recognize the importance of AI-powered security features, ranking them as follows:
Predictive threat intelligence (58%) – Detects risks before they escalate.
Continuous adaptive authentication (52%) – Ensures dynamic security controls.
Zero trust enforcement (47%) – Limits unauthorized access.
Self-healing networks with AI automation (41%) – Enhances network resilience.
Major Barriers to Securing Private 5G Networks
Despite AI’s potential, over 90% of organizations deploying AI security for private 5G report challenges:
- High costs (47%) – Budget constraints limit comprehensive security.
- False positives/negatives (44%) – AI misinterpretations create operational inefficiencies.
- Lack of in-house CT expertise (37%) – Organizations struggle with specialized security needs.
CT Security Gaps: Who’s Responsible?
- Only 20% of global organizations have a dedicated CT security team.
- Responsibility often falls on CTOs (43%) or CIOs (32%), rather than specialized security teams.
The Compliance & Data Privacy Risk
Organizations risk cyberattacks and regulatory violations by failing to properly secure AI-driven traffic monitoring and analysis:
- Only 54% ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR.
- 51% encrypt data at rest and in transit.
- 50% deploy strict AI model access controls.
- Only 44% use data anonymization techniques to protect sensitive information.
Call to Action: Strengthening Private 5G Security
Invest in CT security expertise – AI alone cannot replace skilled cybersecurity professionals.
Increase security budgets – Currently, only 18% of security funding is allocated to private 5G protection.
Adopt proactive risk management – Attack path prediction and real-time threat intelligence are critical for 5G security resilience.
Trend Micro’s findings emphasize the urgent need for AI-powered security combined with specialized CT expertise to safeguard private 5G networks. As businesses expand their AI-driven operations, investing in comprehensive cybersecurity strategies will be key to mitigating risks in critical industries like healthcare, logistics, and smart manufacturing.
