5G-AKA: How to Protect Your Data in the 5G Network

by Author · Published December 20, 2023 · Updated December 28, 2023

When it comes to data privacy in 5G, there are so many rumors that it is quite difficult to find the truth among them. Looking ahead, 5G offers encryption for mobile data and offers a privacy protection system. Although there are 5G security concerns, most of the vulnerabilities are not related to the technology itself, but to the human factor.

Table of Contents

5G-AKA

In order to achieve secure communication within a cellular network, the AKA procedure plays a crucial role. The Authentication and Key Management (5G-AKA) procedure facilitates mutual authentication between the User Device and the network, enabling the derivation of cryptographic keys to safeguard both U-plane and C-plane data. Each “G” of the telecom industry defines specific authentication methods to ensure only authorized users can access the network while rejecting unauthorized ones. For 4G LTE, EPS-AKA is defined by 3GPP, and for 5G, the following three authentication methods have been defined:

5G-AKA: 5G-AKA Authentication and Key Management
EAP-AKA: Extensible Authentication Protocol – Authentication and Key Management
EAP-TLS: Extensible Authentication Protocol – Transport Layer Security

Mobile Security Tips

#1 Lock Your Device

One potential threat consists of thieves gaining complete access to your personal information if they steal your device. To prevent this, ensure that you set a lock on your screen. You can choose between a passcode, pattern, fingerprint, or face recognition based on your device’s capabilities.

When you enable a lock screen, you will be able to choose the length of idle time before your phone automatically locks. Choose the shortest amount of time available to protect yourself. This setting will activate the lock screen even if you forget to lock it manually, providing an added layer of security. Additionally, it will help conserve your battery since the screen will go dark after the specified idle time.

#2 Don’t Save Personal Log-Ins and Payment Details

If you have “how to protect my phone from hackers” on your to-do list, start by taking a few simple steps to ensure that hackers need to exert effort to access your data. Even the most advanced smartphone security apps cannot compensate for basic carelessness. Many individuals often compromise security for convenience by leaving important information stored on their phones, avoiding the need to re-enter it when logging into social networks or making online payments. This creates an easy opportunity for those with phone access to steal information that could potentially result in more than just the leakage of embarrassing personal correspondence.

Hackers frequently target web browsers as well. A more common and often overlooked risk involves leaving your browser in control of log-ins and passwords by letting it store all the data for you. Practice smart and responsible phone use.

To ensure secure app usage on 5G, you should use a VPN. You also get an untrackable phone, since the ISP or web services have no way of knowing who is sending traffic to where. VPN is one of the most powerful and convenient tools for protecting anonymity and privacy in both mobile and Wi-Fi networks.

#3 Create Strong Passwords

To enhance password security, exercise caution by avoiding common and easily guessable options. Steer clear of using personal information like names, surnames, or birth dates. Instead, opt for passwords starting with capital letters, and incorporating symbols, numbers, and acronyms. Consider employing a smartphone password manager for added protection.

#4 Beware of Third-Party Resources

Another aspect that is often disregarded when discussing smartphone security is the utilization of authorized and sanctioned software. While the temptation to jailbreak or root your phone and utilize third-party apps to enhance performance and access additional features may arise, it is advisable to refrain from doing so.

Both Google and Apple enforce strict regulations for app approval in their stores due to the presence of malicious software and exploits that aim to steal personal data. While solely using official software does not guarantee absolute phone security, it is an important and frequently overlooked step in safeguarding your private information. Mobile manufacturers discourage rooting or jailbreaking devices and resorting to third-party app sources for valid reasons, as these precautions prioritize safety.

#5 Keep Your Device’s OS Update

Operating system updates for mobile phones aim to enhance user experience by addressing performance and security issues. Although these updates occur frequently, users often click through quickly or postpone them. However, staying up to date with these updates is crucial as they safeguard both iOS and Android devices against newly identified threats. To verify if your phone’s OS is up to date, navigate to “about phone” or “general” settings and select “system updates” or “software update.”

#6 Use Always New Password

When it comes to smartphone security tips, data breaches can occur not only due to weak passwords but also because of a lack of password variety. Many individuals opt for the convenient route of using the same two or three passwords for all their apps and websites. Avoid this practice. While it’s acceptable to employ uncomplicated and repeatable passwords for gaming website accounts, refrain from using them for your phone or online banking.

#7 Encrypt Your Data

If you lose or someone steals your smartphone, all your emails, contacts, financial information, and more could be at risk. To safeguard your mobile phone data, ensure that it is encrypted. Encryption stores data in an unreadable form, making it impossible to understand.

Most phones offer encryption settings that you can activate in the security menu. To check if your iOS device is encrypted, access the settings menu and navigate to “Touch ID & Passcode.” It will prompt you to enter your lock screen code. Afterward, scroll to the bottom of the page where you should see “Data Protection is enabled.”

Final Words

5G networks do not pose any particular danger, or rather a danger beyond what we are exposed to every day. If your goal is to ensure maximum anonymity, then you will still have to use additional security tools and it doesn’t really matter what kind of network you have. No one has canceled basic security measures.