Chapter 1: Project Overview and Methodology
This chapter introduces the project's purpose and the consulting firm's approach. It defines the nine core objectives, from identifying threats to creating a prioritized action plan. It details the assessment methodology, including the use of both automated tools and manual penetration testing. The chapter also establishes the importance of aligning the entire assessment with well-known industry standards like those from 3GPP, GSMA, and NIST, ensuring that all findings and recommendations are grounded in established best practices.
Chapter 2: Threat Modeling and Vulnerability Assessment
This chapter focuses on the practical execution of the security assessment. It starts with an external penetration test to simulate attacks from the internet, public Wi-Fi, and specialized signaling networks. This is followed by an internal penetration test to model threats from an insider perspective. The chapter then formalizes the process with a threat modeling section, systematically identifying potential attack vectors for data theft and fraud. The final part of the chapter covers the network-wide vulnerability assessment, where the security architecture and deployed controls are reviewed against international standards and design specifications.
Chapter 3: Mobile Network Infrastructure Assessment
This chapter is dedicated to the security of the mobile network. It's broken down by the core network elements. The Mobile Core section covers both legacy and virtualized components, including a detailed look at the new 5G Standalone (SA) CNFs (Cloud-Native Network Functions) like the AMF and SMF. The Telco Cloud section focuses on the security of the underlying virtualization platform, including Huawei FusionSphere, and the security lifecycle of VNFs (Virtual Network Functions). Finally, the Radio Access Network (RAN) section compares the security vulnerabilities of 2G/3G with the more robust designs of 4G/5G, covering topics like rogue base stations and subscriber identity protection.
Chapter 4: Fixed Line, Interconnect, and Transport Security
This chapter expands the scope to the non-mobile parts of the network. The Fixed Line section details the security of both the core and access networks that handle broadband and voice services. The IP & Interconnect section explains the critical risks at the network's edges, such as BGP hijacking and signaling fraud at international gateways. The final part, Transport & Transmission Infrastructure, addresses the physical and logical security of the network's backbone, covering diverse technologies from microwave and satellite links to submarine cables.
Chapter 5: Service, Platform, and Device Security
This chapter moves beyond the core infrastructure to cover the security of the services and endpoints. It details the assessment of key platforms like BSS and OSS, which are crucial for business operations and often contain sensitive customer data. The chapter also covers the specific security threats to messaging platforms (SMS/MMS) and VoIP services (VoLTE, VoWiFi). The final section on Device and Endpoint Security focuses on vulnerabilities in SIM/eSIM cards and customer-facing Wi-Fi access points.
Chapter 6: Security Governance and Strategic Planning
This final chapter synthesizes all the findings into a strategic plan. It introduces the concept of Minimum Baseline Security Standards (MBSS) as a foundational document for network hardening. It then translates the technical vulnerabilities into a Risk Register to quantify and prioritize threats based on their business impact. The chapter concludes with a Security Controls Maturity Assessment, which provides a holistic view of the organization's security posture, and a Prioritized Security Action Plan that gives BTEL a clear roadmap for remediation and long-term security improvement.
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