Many enterprises and government organizations are increasingly deploying private 5G CBRS wireless networks for mission-critical applications. With sophisticated encryption algorithms and robust authentication, these high-speed networks provide a more secure alternative to Wi-Fi. Although Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7 incorporate Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) encryption and other key security protocols, some Wi-Fi networks remain susceptible to various attacks, including man-in-the-middle (MITM), wardriving, and fragging.

This article reviews Wi-Fi vulnerabilities and highlights encryption standards, protocols, and mitigation strategies designed to minimize these threats. It also discusses the security advantages of private 5G wireless networks compared to Wi-Fi, such as SIM-based authentication and end-to-end encryption for roaming.

Figure 1. Private 5G network architecture (Image: ResearchGate)

Additionally, the article spotlights 5G-specific features that further reduce attack surfaces in private wireless networks, including the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) domain proxy. Lastly, it explores how mission-critical deployments, from military bases and airports to Industry 4.0 and e-commerce, leverage the high-level security features of these networks.

The Many Vulnerabilities of Wi-Fi
Operating in unlicensed spectrum (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz), many Wi-Fi networks and their access points (APs) are vulnerable to cyber-attacks, such as denial of service (DoS) which overwhelms networks and Wi-jacking of connected devices. Additional attack vectors include:

• Rogue APs, routers, and SSID deception: Mimic legitimate networks or use similar service set identifiers (SSIDs) to deceive devices into connecting. Once connected, attackers can intercept, manipulate, or steal data.
• MITM: Intercepts data between two devices, tricking both into believing they are still communicating directly and securely with each other.
• KARMA: Connects devices to rogue APs by exploiting their automatic connection to previously known networks.
• Piggybacking: Exploits weak or absent passwords, allowing unauthorized users to connect to vulnerable Wi-Fi networks.
• Wardriving and wireless sniffing: Target unsecured Wi-Fi networks to intercept and analyze unencrypted data.
• Fragging: Exploits Wi-Fi fragmentation vulnerabilities to inject malicious packets.

WPA3: Reducing Attack Surfaces and Minimizing Vulnerabilities
Introduced by the Wi-Fi Alliance (WIA) in 2018 alongside Wi-Fi 6, WPA3 replaces the Pre-Shared Key (PSK) method with Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE), providing stronger protection against brute-force and dictionary attacks. Although WPA3 encrypts data between devices and Wi-Fi APs, this encryption is limited to the wireless segment of the connection. Once traffic reaches the wired network, additional security measures, such as virtual private networks (VPNs) or Transport Layer Security (TLS), help ensure end-to-end encryption.

Beyond WPA3, Wi-Fi networks employ mutual authentication to verify device and user identities. Network segmentation, which isolates sensitive data to prevent lateral movement, provides an additional layer of protection. Proactive configuration of network equipment and continuous traffic monitoring also help defend against DoS attacks and other threats like KARMA, MITM, fragging, piggybacking, SSID confusion, Wi-jacking, and rogue APs. Intrusion detection systems (IDS), firewalls, traffic filtering, and security updates further secure network deployments.

Although WPA3 and mutual authentication methods significantly bolster Wi-Fi security, reliance on unlicensed spectrum means many networks remain susceptible to both new and legacy vulnerabilities. In contrast, private wireless 5G networks can operate either in licensed or unlicensed (CBRS) spectrum, offering a more controlled and secure environment.

The Security Advantages of Private 5G Wireless Networks
Both public and private 5G wireless networks offer significant security advantages over Wi-Fi. As outlined by the 3GPP, 5G networks employ various encryption methods to protect inter/intra-network traffic and user data, with the Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP) ensuring end-to-end encryption for roaming. The 5G System (5GS) defines specific security algorithms for data confidentiality and integrity, applied within both the radio access network (Access Stratum, AS) and the core network (Non-Access Stratum, NAS).

Figure 2. 128-bit 5G ciphering and integrity protection illustration (Image: DEVOPEDIA)

Additional encryption standards and authentication methods, such as 5G-AKA, ZUC, SNOW 3G, and HMAC-SHA-256, further boost data protection, mitigating risks of unauthorized access, interception, and tampering. While 5G introduces 256-bit encryption and algorithms like AES-256, some deployments continue to use a mix of encryption methods, including 128-bit legacy LTE algorithms.

Managed by the 5G core, the network slice selection function (NSSF) isolates traffic and applies specific security policies to each slice, effectively reducing network attack surfaces. Physical SIMs and eSIMs also strengthen public and private 5G wireless network security by authenticating devices through encrypted cellular transmission protocols. These include:

• Physical SIMs: Used in public and private 5G networks, physical SIMs securely store authentication keys and identifiers, preventing unauthorized access to network resources.
• eSIMs: Increasingly used in both public and private 5G networks, non-removable embedded SIMs offer significant protection against physical tampering.
• Software SIMs: Also known as soft or virtual SIMs, these can be used in public and private networks. Offering flexibility for device provisioning, softSIMS are applicable in various IoT and enterprise deployments, including private networks.

Notably, 5G Open RAN technologies and Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) gateways allow multiple operators to securely share the same RAN infrastructure, enabling neutral host deployments while maintaining stringent security controls. This approach bolsters overall network security, ensuring each operator’s data is siloed and protected both internally and externally.

Although public 5G networks incorporate end-to-end security features, they still face challenges mitigating DoS and other attacks. Similarly, private 5G networks aren’t completely immune to attacks and insider threats, despite customized deployments and granular management. Compared to Wi-Fi, however, both public and private 5G networks offer more robust and comprehensive protection against a wider range of attacks and vulnerabilities.
Bolstering Private 5G Security with Domain Proxies
Incorporating 3GPP-defined 5G security features with a Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) domain proxy offers stronger network protection compared to Wi-Fi. Positioned behind a security gateway, the Moso Control-integrated CBRS domain proxy enforces strict authentication and verification protocols. By isolating radios on a local network, enterprises effectively create an “air-gapped” deployment. The domain proxy handles all Spectrum Access System (SAS) interactions on behalf of the radios, which only interface with Moso Control for management and SAS grants. This setup prevents direct communication between Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices (CBSDs) and the internet, eliminating a key attack vector.

Figure 3. The complex interaction between the SAS, FCC databases, CBRS Domain Proxy, and CBSDs.

Enabling Mission-Critical Applications
Secure, high-speed private 5G CBRS wireless networks support mission-critical applications across a broad range of use cases, including:

• Military bases, airports, and government facilities: Ensures the secure transmission of data and control signals for automated guided vehicles (AGVs), drones, dedicated communication networks, cameras, and other critical systems.
• First responders: Provide secure, encrypted communication channels, ensuring real-time data is protected from interception or tampering.
• Industry 4.0: Secure isolated and encrypted connections for IoT devices, safeguarding industrial control systems from corporate espionage and cyber-attacks.
• E-commerce: Deliver strong encryption and SIM-based authentication, protecting sensitive customer data during online transactions and helping businesses efficiently meet PCI-DSS requirements.

Simplifying Secure and Reliable Private 5G CBRS Wireless Networks
MosoNetworks works closely with its many partners and customers to simplify and accelerate the deployment of reliable and secure private 5G CBRS wireless networks. Our solutions include indoor and outdoor radios, Moso Control—a cloud-native, virtualized Kubernetes-based platform with an integrated CBRS domain proxy—along with Moso Clear adapters, and the Moso Concord smart Ethernet switch. Reach out to our team to learn more.