Fujitsu and Trend Micro have collaborated to focus on the security of private 5G networks. The companies will demonstrate the effectiveness of Trend Micro’s security for private 5G using a simulated smart factory environment and a Fujitsu operating environment prior to public availability of the product.
Private 5G network technology will be the catalyst for true smart factories globally. Connectivity and automation will link factory devices and enterprise applications, improving production capabilities and overall factory performance.
However, the expansion of IT infrastructure within operational technology (OT) environments can lead to exposure to the risk of cyber-attacks. There is an urgent need to implement cybersecurity measures to secure private 5G networks and protect them from potential attacks.
Fujitsu and Trend Micro have incorporated the latter’s 5G security solution into a private 5G system that simulates a real smart factory environment equipped with high-definition monitoring cameras and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) at the Fujitsu Collaboration Lab in Kawasaki, Japan. This environment was used to centrally visualize and manage system status and security, as well as correlate threat detection and prevention data from devices and the network.
The security solution, Trend Micro Mobile Network Security, leverages endpoint security built into the IoT device’s SIM card and network security running on the private 5G system.
Product benefits include:
- Threat detection and protection on the private 5G network.
- Authentication of devices attempting to connect to the 5G network.
- Blocking unauthorized communication in real-time.
This demonstration shows how Trend Micro’s solution protects smart factories from internal threats, such as unauthorized or malware-infected devices, as well as external threats attempting to enter the factory via the 5G network.
“Fujitsu aims to realize a society in which people, goods, and services are connected in real time through 5G technology and to solve problems facing the world,” says Tomonori Goto, CEO, senior vice president, and director of Fujitsu’s 5G Vertical Service Office.
“To this end, we believe that this security solution, created together with Trend Micro, represents a key technology for applying private 5G to mission-critical areas. Fujitsu will continue to cooperate with Trend Micro to create new value through the power of co-creation,” he adds.
The two companies will conduct a field trial through September 2021 at the company’s Oyama plant. Based on the results of this trial, the partners will explore the possibility of commercializing a private 5G security solution.
“We’re delighted to be joining forces with Fujitsu to tackle the immense challenge of cybersecurity for private 5G,” notes Akihiko Omikawa, executive vice president of Trend Micro. “Together, we are making smart manufacturing more secure to ensure production isn’t stopped due to a cyberattack,” he adds.
