Abstract

The global rollout of 5G in 2021 marked a transformative leap in network capabilities, enabling ultra- low latency, massive machine-type communications, and enhanced mobile broadband. Yet, with this evolution came an expanded cyber attack surface, heightened dependency on software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV), and amplified national security concerns. This paper examines critical threat vectors including signaling storms, network slicing attacks, and vulnerabilities in the service-based architecture of the 5G core. It also explores policy and regulatory challenges—particularly those tied to vendor diversity, global supply chains, and trust in Chinese telecommunications infrastructure. As a position paper, it advocates for an integrated security framework built on Zero Trust principles, AI-driven anomaly detection, and end-to-end encryption tailored to 5G infrastructure. The paper argues for global harmonization of security policies and stronger public-private collaboration to secure this foundational technology.