New Zero Trust framework secures Private 5G & Wi-Fi

Wireless Broadband Alliance has published a security framework for organisations planning Private 5G deployments alongside existing Wi-Fi and IT systems.

The report, titled "Enterprise Security for Private 5G Networks", sets out a unified approach based on Zero Trust. It describes shared policies and open standards for wired and wireless environments. It also sets out guidelines that focus on integration, identity and threat intelligence sharing.

Enterprises across sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and energy have increased interest in Private 5G as they connect more systems and automate processes. The report argues that wider connectivity increases exposure to cybersecurity risks, including data breaches, intellectual property theft and operational disruption.

Wireless Broadband Alliance positioned the work as a common reference point for converged deployments. The report groups its intended audience across enterprises, network operators, system integrators, technology vendors, and policymakers.

Unified framework

The report states that enterprises need a single security model across wireless domains, rather than separate approaches for Wi-Fi and cellular. It describes Private 5G and Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 as complementary. It sets out a single Zero-Trust framework across both technologies.

It also points to open interfaces and cross-vendor integration. It lists REST APIs, WebSocket and pxGrid as mechanisms for cross-domain connectivity and management. It describes pxGrid as a protocol for secure, two-way exchange of data between Wi-Fi, 5G and enterprise systems.

The report describes identity management and access control as central requirements for organisations that run mixed environments. It also covers threat intelligence sharing across network layers and domains, including policy alignment between wired and wireless networks.

Zero Trust

The report outlines a Zero-Trust implementation model that uses continuous verification and dynamic policy enforcement. It also highlights micro-segmentation. The report links micro-segmentation to limiting lateral movement within networks after an initial breach.

It also discusses the role of edge deployments and analytics. The report references Multi-Access Edge Computing and AI-driven analytics. It describes real-time anomaly detection, local decision-making and automated threat response as areas of focus.

The report states that organisations should treat security as a starting point for Private 5G projects. It argues against adding controls after deployment. It also links early-stage security planning to protecting mission-critical operations and business continuity.

Ecosystem focus

Wireless Broadband Alliance presents the framework as relevant beyond enterprise IT and security teams. It says network operators and system integrators can use standardised approaches when they deliver Private 5G and Wi-Fi projects. It also points to deployment consistency across vertical markets such as manufacturing, healthcare and logistics.

The report also addresses technology vendors. It states that a unified approach supports cross-domain connectivity and interoperability. It says regulators and policymakers face evolving governance and compliance questions as organisations converge Wi-Fi and Private 5G.

"Private 5G represents the next frontier of enterprise connectivity, but with its potential comes new complexity and risk. By bringing Wi-Fi and 5G under a common security framework, the industry can accelerate digital transformation without compromising resilience or interoperability. This report sets out a clear path to secure, converged networks built on open standards, Zero Trust design and shared threat intelligence," said Tiago Rodrigues, President and CEO, Wireless Broadband Alliance.

Boingo Wireless participates in private network deployments across several venue types.

"As a leader in neutral host and private network deployments for airports, stadiums, hospitals, military bases and commercial properties, Boingo focuses on delivering secure, seamless connectivity experiences. Private 5G is creating new opportunities for enterprises and raises the bar for security. The WBA Enterprise Security for Private 5G Networks report offers timely guidance to design secure, scalable networks that protect critical operations and deliver the always-on connectivity customers expect in high-density environments," said Dr. Derek Peterson, CTO, Boingo Wireless and WBA Chairman.

Cisco also contributed to the work.

"As enterprises accelerate digital transformation, integrating Private 5G into existing IT and Wi-Fi environments introduces both opportunity and complexity, particularly for security teams tasked with protecting critical operations. This report provides a clear, actionable framework to help organizations unify their security policies and apply Zero-Trust principles across diverse networks. By bridging the gap between Private 5G and established enterprise security practices, we're enabling organizations to confidently adopt new technologies without sacrificing resilience or compliance," said Gino Corleto, Project Leader & Industry Solutions Architect, Cisco.

HPE framed the report in terms of operational confidence and consistency of controls.

"Enterprises need confidence that Private 5G can be managed under the same security frameworks as their existing networks. By uniting best practices like segmentation, role-based access, and AI-driven monitoring, this report provides practical guidance for building secure, converged networks that support digital transformation," said Peter Thornycroft, Chief Editor & Distinguished Engineer, HPE.

Wireless Broadband Alliance said phase two of its workstream will move beyond architecture and policy. It will cover operational security intelligence for Private 5G and converged Wi-Fi networks, including centralised monitoring, SIEM integration, AI and ML-based anomaly detection, and Security Operations Centre coordination.