Debate on the security of 5G is growing ever larger in UE and NATO, amongst others due to the technological rivalry between USA and China, as well as the European Commission’s report published in early October on the assessment of risk connected with its security. Experts of the Kosciuszko Institute, organiser of the 5^th European Cybersecurity Forum – CYBERSEC 2019, which starts tomorrow in Katowice, Poland, stress that in this race for 5G, the European Union must fight for a good position. Technological resources at hand, such as 5G Made in Poland components, which we will see during the cybersecurity fair accompanying the conference, make the EU ready for the race.

5G: key significance for the development of economy

The development of the 5G network, which is considered to be the digitalization catalyst, is of key importance for global economic progress. When implemented on a large scale, 5G technology will become basis for the whole market of new digital services and for building digital society of the future. It will also play a fundamental part in key sectors of the economy, namely energy, health, transport and financial services sectors. Implementation of 5G network will ensure better capacity, less delays, as well as the possibility to use more devices. Simultaneously, some states and decision-makers will face complex challenges concerning technologies, legal regulations, political and economic decisions arising from the need to secure the new networks properly. Having in mind the significance of 5G in geopolitical dimension, broadly-defined cooperation between the EU and NATO states is required, leading to the secure implementation of the network.

Telecommunication cybersecurity: a must for NATO member states

As stressed by Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO, ministers of member states should pay particular attention to the security of civilian telecommunication infrastructure and carry out in-depth risk assessment including 5G. Stoltenberg’s statement referred to US restrictions imposed on Huawei. Less than two weeks ago, the German government came under attack due to their plans to allow the Chinese manufacturer to build 5G network in Germany. Members of the parliament as well as members of CDU, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s party, expressed concerns.

According to the latest agreement between the ministries of national defence from NATO member states, the Treaty’s members are obliged to ensure telecommunication solutions that are resistant to cyberattacks. Stoltenberg stressed that it is crucial to be able to restore systems normal operations in case of a failure caused by disturbances.

Europe: third power in the digital cold war

“All EU Member States should open their markets wider to European suppliers, not only in order to strengthen economic patriotism within the EU. It is crucial in order to reinforce digital ‘strategic autonomy’, first and foremost, as it should be the objective of the new European Commission and each and every Member State. We should start with foundations, i.e. 5G network, yet we should also remember about other technologies, which will reshape our world. While building 5G network, we are creating a nervous system for modern countries and economies, which will allow them to take a safe digital leap, merging critical infrastructure, IoT, telemedicine, autonomous vehicles and smart cities,” says Izabela Albrycht, Chairperson of the Board, the Kosciuszko Institute.

The Institute’s experts believe that 5G pilot projects in the cities and transmission networks based on European, American, Japanese or South Korean technology show extensive technological potential of the area defined as like-minded countries (NATO member states and allies). They also recommend EU to activate European technological resources and develop European digital sovereignty effectively. During the Commission’s next term of office such an approach should not be reflected exclusively in EU strategic documents, but also in implementation of their assumptions by proper planning, allocation and manner of spending resources from EU funds on EU innovativeness and competitiveness policy. EU funds should support the construction of digital resources to a much greater extent than in previous financial perspectives. They should also be spent on supporting European companies in increasing technological innovations for the entire 5G ecosystem, i.e. not only solutions for the construction of the network, but also its application dimension as well as services and end-user products.

Many solutions used in 5G network are produced also in Poland, say the organisers of CYBERSEC Expo. They will be presented for the very first time in 5G pavilion during the fair. A few years ago, Ericsson decided to open R&D centres in Poland and they have recently announced launch of the production in the plant in Tczew. Components produced in Poland: equipment for petrol station “5G Made in Poland”, may be used to implement the new-generation digital infrastructure. This issue was discussed during the meeting of the Polish PM, Mateusz Morawiecki, and Ericsson’s President Börje Ekholmem in August. Nokia and Exatel will also be amongst the companies presenting their solutions in 5G pavilion in Katowice.

Digital security of 5G network in Europe as well as 5G technology as an element of geopolitical rivalry will be amongst the key topics discussed during the 5^th European Cybersecurity Forum – CYBERSEC 2019, the biggest conference devoted to cybersecurity in CEE. The Forum, organised by the Kosciuszko Institute, will be held this year in Katowice, Poland, on 29-30 October. CYBERSEC’s jubilee edition has been enriched with a range of new formats and accompanying events, including CYBERSEC WOMEN addressing the problem of the deficit of women in ICT sector, and CYBERSEC EXPO – fair of cybersecurity products and services. The conference aims at elaborating practical recommendations concerning most important issues arising from the need to ensure the security of cyberspace, addressed to political decision-makers and business representatives. CYBERSEC 2019 is following the motto of “Securing the World’s Digital DNA”.