Considerations and Strategies for Open RAN Cyber Security

"The immaturity of Open RAN means that standards, certification and testing frameworks still need to be developed in order to address security challenges."

This report explores the cyber-security implications of adopting Open RAN architecture instead of traditional physical RAN and closed vRAN alternatives. It examines the components and features of Open RAN that exacerbate RAN security challenges, and provides recommendations for how telecoms operators, Open RAN vendors and the wider Open RAN ecosystem can mitigate them. The report also discusses the potential cyber-security benefits that can emerge from adopting Open RAN architecture and considers how these benefits can best be realised.

Questions answered in this report:

• What are the main cyber-security risks introduced/exacerbated by Open RAN architecture?
• How can operators, vendors and the wider Open RAN ecosystem mitigate the cyber-security risks associated with Open RAN architecture?
• How will Open RAN security risks evolve over time?
• How can operators and vendors ensure that they benefit from the cyber-security advantages of adopting Open RAN architecture?