Core Network Security Assessment

A core network security assessment audits the controls protecting an operator's mobile core, encryption configuration on user-plane and signalling links, AAA and key-management hygiene, exposure of management interfaces, IDS/firewall coverage, and patching state of NFs. Findings are mapped against 3GPP SCAS, GSMA NESAS, and operator policy, and feed prioritised remediation.

Categories: Core NetworkSignalingSecurity Controls

Core Network Security Assessment in context

The mobile core carries subscriber sessions, mobility and policy. In 4G it is the EPC (MME, HSS, S/PGW); in 5G it is the Service-Based Architecture with AMF, SMF, UPF, AUSF, UDM and the NRF.

Signaling protocols carry the control-plane messages that set up calls, register subscribers and route SMS. SS7, Diameter, GTP-C and SIP are the four dominant families, and interconnect exposure of any of them is treated by GSMA as top-tier telecom risk.

To place Core Network Security Assessment in the wider telecom-security picture, review 5G SBA, ACL, IETF, Network Exposure Function (NEF), RSA and Signaling IDS — each entry cross-references back to this page so you can walk the topic in either direction.

Related terms

More from the TelcoSec Glossary

Browse the full TelcoSec Glossary, the Ultimate Guide to Mobile Network Security, or the P1 Arsenal of telecom-security tools.